Anxiety, Depression, Financial Stress, Suicidal Ideation
Conditions
Keywords
Suicidal Ideation, Migrant Workers, Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Financial Stress
Brief summary
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.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALBrief 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.
Sponsors
Bath Spa University Academic Centre RAK
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Outcomes assessors were blinded to group assignments.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either Brief CBT or Treatment as Usual (TAU).
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
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.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reduction in Suicidal Ideation Severity (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation; BSS) | Baseline, 4 weeks (mid-treatment), 8 weeks (post-treatment), and 3-month follow-up | Change in the severity of suicidal ideation as measured by the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS), a 19-item clinician-rated scale that assesses suicidal thoughts, plans, and wishes during the past week. Scores range from 0 to 38, with higher scores indicating greater suicidal ideation severity. |
Countries
United Arab Emirates
Outcome results
None listed