Citation

Bianchini G, Bodell LP. Arch. Suicide Res. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2024.2307894

PMID

38329105

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Suicide is a global health concern and developing brief and accessible interventions that can reduce suicide risk is crucial. Thwarted belongingness (TB; i.e., feeling like one doesn't belong) and perceived burdensomeness (PB; i.e., feeling like one is a burden on others) are associated with suicidality, and changes in these constructs predict changes in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Self-compassion is a multifaceted construct that involves being open and kind to oneself and can be taught through brief writing tasks. Low self-compassion has been associated with TB, PB, and suicidal ideation, suggesting that enhancing self-compassion may decrease suicide risk. Thus, we conducted an open trial of a brief, online self-compassion intervention targeting TB and PB.

METHOD: Undergraduate students (N = 132) viewed an educational video on self-compassion and completed self-compassion writing tasks over the course of one week.

RESULTS: Reactions to the intervention were positive, and participants reported significantly higher self-compassion scores following the intervention. However, TB and PB scores did not change from the baseline to the post-intervention assessment.

CONCLUSIONS: This open trial demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a fully online, brief self-compassion intervention, but its impact on reducing suicide risk should be assessed further using a randomized controlled design.

Language: en

Keywords

Interpersonal needs; intervention; perceived burdensomeness; self-compassion; thwarted belongingness