Citation

De Jaegere E, Stas P, Van Heeringen K, Dumon E, van Landschoot R, Portzky G. Suicide Life Threat. Behav. 2023; 53(2): 270-281.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, American Association of Suicidology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/sltb.12944

PMID

36650920

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is a serious public health concern worldwide. Current psychological interventions targeting suicidal ideation and behavior are, however, limited and often lack convincing empirical support. Future-Oriented Group Training (FOGT) targets crucial aspects of the suicidal process, thus possibly offering a promising intervention for suicidal ideation. This study aimed at investigating the short-term and long-term effects of FOGT on suicidal thoughts and related variables.

METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted, comparing the intervention group (FOGT + treatment as usual (TAU)) to a control group (TAU) at pre and posttreatment and at a 12-week follow-up. Suicidal ideation was the primary outcome, while depressive symptoms, hopelessness, defeat, entrapment, worrying, and the ability for future-oriented thinking were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS: When compared to the control group, the intervention group showed significant decreases in worrying at posttreatment and significant increases in future-oriented thinking at follow-up. Pre-post analyses within the intervention group showed significant small-to-medium effects for primary as well as most secondary outcomes. Changes in suicidal ideation, depression, hopelessness, and future-oriented thinking remained significant at follow-up.

CONCLUSION: This study provides promising empirical evidence for the use of FOGT for individuals with suicidal ideation.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Anxiety; Affect; randomized controlled trial; *Suicidal Ideation; *Suicide/psychology; Forecasting; group intervention; prospective; suicide-specific