A Feasibility Study of Psychological First Aid Versus Dialectal Behavioral Intervention in Undergraduate Students With Suicide Risk: A Comparative Crossover Randomized ControlledTrial

Not Applicable

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Suicidal Ideation

• Registration Number: NCT06825351
• Lead Sponsor: Alexandria University

Brief Summary

his feasibility study aims to compare the effectiveness of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) interventions in reducing suicide risk among undergraduate students. The study employs a crossover randomized controlled trial design, allowing participants to experience both interventions at different times.

Detailed Description

Suicide risk among undergraduate students is a pressing mental health concern, exacerbated by academic pressures and social isolation. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a supportive intervention designed to reduce distress and foster coping in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. Conversely, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that focuses on emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. This study explores the feasibility and effectiveness of these two interventions in a university setting.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-12-01
• Status Verified: 2025-02
• Study First Submitted: 2025-02-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-02-09
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-02-09
• Study First Posted: 2025-02-13
• Last Update Posted: 2025-02-13
• Primary Completion: 2025-03-15
• Study Completion: 2025-03-15

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 70

Inclusion Criteria

Participants in this feasibility study must be undergraduate students aged 18-25 years who are identified as at risk for suicide based on a validated screening tool. They must be currently enrolled in a degree program, able to provide informed consent, and proficient in English.

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals with severe mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), those in acute crisis requiring immediate intervention, current substance abuse issues, significant cognitive impairments, prior experience with DBT or similar therapies within the last year, and physical health conditions that could complicate participation.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale	3 months	It is a brief and reliable tool for assessing the severity of suicidal ideation over the past month, was developed by Van Spijker et al, (2014). It comprises five items that evaluate the frequency of suicidal thoughts, the level of control over these thoughts, proximity to a suicide attempt, the distress caused by the thoughts, and their impact on daily functioning.
The Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help-Short Form	3 months	It is a 10-item scale to evaluate attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Responses are rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating more favourable attitudes and lower stigma associated with mental illness
Perception of Academic Stress Scale	3 months	It was developed by Bedewy, D., \& Gabriel, A. (2015), to measure sources of academic stress among university students. PAS IS an 18-item, 5-point Likert-type questionnaire designed, with a higher score indicating higher academic stress.
The Brief Resilience Scale	3 months	It is a six-item self-report measure designed to assess resilience by Smith et al. (2008), specifically focusing on an individual's ability to bounce back or recover from stress. Unlike other resilience scales emphasizing resources or traits promoting resilience, the BRS directly evaluates recovery and adaptability following stressful events.
The Self-Compassion Scale	3 months	It was developed by Dr. Kristin Neff, is a widely recognized tool designed to measure self-compassion, which encompasses being kind and understanding toward oneself in times of difficulty.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

South Valley Committee; 🇪🇬 Qinā, Egypt