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

Alexandria University

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Suicidal Ideation

Treatments: Behavioral: Psychological First Aid versus Dialectal behavioral Intervention

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06825351

2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 70 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 27 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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70 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention

Experimental group

Description:

Participants: Undergraduate students identified as at risk for suicide. Interventions: Participants will receive both PFA and DBT at different times. PFA: Focuses on immediate emotional support and connecting students to resources. DBT: A structured program that teaches coping skills, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Psychological First Aid versus Dialectal behavioral Intervention

Control

Active Comparator group

Description:

Group A: Begins with PFA followed by DBT. Group B: Begins with DBT followed by PFA.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Psychological First Aid versus Dialectal behavioral Intervention