Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Reducing Suicidal Ideation in Economically Distressed Migrants

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

120 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-01-10

Study Completion Date

2024-11-25

Brief Summary

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This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of an 8-session, culturally adapted Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Brief CBT) compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU) in reducing suicidal ideation among economically distressed migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates. Participants (N=120) were randomized to receive Brief CBT or TAU. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks, and 3-month follow-up.

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Detailed Description

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Economically distressed migrant workers face high psychosocial stress, resulting in increased suicidal ideation. This study examined the effectiveness of culturally adapted Brief CBT in addressing suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, stress, and financial distress compared to standard treatment resources provided as usual.

Conditions

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Suicidal Ideation Depression Anxiety Financial Stress

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either Brief CBT or Treatment as Usual (TAU).

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors

Outcomes assessors were blinded to group assignments.

Study Groups

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Brief CBT

Participants assigned to this arm received an 8-session culturally adapted Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Brief CBT). Sessions addressed crisis stabilization, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving related to financial stressors, behavioral activation, emotion regulation skills, relapse prevention, and linkage to community resources. Sessions were delivered weekly, either individually (60 minutes) or in groups (90 minutes), based on participant preference.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Participants received an 8-session culturally adapted Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy intervention targeting suicidal ideation, psychological distress, and financial stress. Therapy included crisis stabilization, cognitive restructuring of maladaptive thoughts related to economic hardship, behavioral activation, problem-solving skills for financial and psychosocial stressors, and emotion-regulation training. It concluded with relapse prevention planning and connection to supportive community resources. Sessions were delivered weekly, either individually (60 minutes) or in groups (90 minutes), based on participant preference.

Treatment as Usual (TAU)

Participants assigned to this arm received standard community resources and information without structured therapeutic intervention. They were provided with a comprehensive multilingual list of available mental health services, crisis support hotlines, and financial counseling resources accessible in the UAE. Participants were free to access these services independently, without active facilitation or structured guidance by the research team. This arm represents the standard of care typically available to economically distressed migrant workers experiencing mental health difficulties in the region.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Participants received an 8-session culturally adapted Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy intervention targeting suicidal ideation, psychological distress, and financial stress. Therapy included crisis stabilization, cognitive restructuring of maladaptive thoughts related to economic hardship, behavioral activation, problem-solving skills for financial and psychosocial stressors, and emotion-regulation training. It concluded with relapse prevention planning and connection to supportive community resources. Sessions were delivered weekly, either individually (60 minutes) or in groups (90 minutes), based on participant preference.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Age between 18 to 65 years.
* Migrant worker residing in the UAE with a valid work or residence visa.
* Experiencing significant economic distress (score of ≤40 on the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale - IFDFW).
* Presence of suicidal ideation, defined as a score ≥1 on the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS).
* Able to communicate effectively in English, Arabic, or Tagalog.
* Willing and able to provide informed written consent.

Exclusion Criteria

* Acute psychosis, severe substance dependence, or immediate suicide risk requiring hospitalization.
* Cognitive impairment limiting therapy participation.
* Currently engaged in structured psychotherapy for depression or suicidality.

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

65 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No