Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Reducing Suicidal Ideation in Economically Distressed Migrants (Brief CBT)

Bath Spa University Academic Centre RAK

Status: Completed

Conditions: Suicidal Ideation; Financial Stress; Depression; Anxiety

Treatments: Behavioral: Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07111377

BSU-RAK-PSYCH - 2025-0008

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 120 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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120 participants in 2 patient groups

Brief CBT

Experimental group

Description:

Participants assigned to this arm received an 8-session culturally adapted Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Brief CBT). Sessions addressed crisis stabilization, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving related to financial stressors, behavioral activation, emotion regulation skills, relapse prevention, and linkage to community resources. Sessions were delivered weekly, either individually (60 minutes) or in groups (90 minutes), based on participant preference.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Treatment as Usual (TAU)

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants assigned to this arm received standard community resources and information without structured therapeutic intervention. They were provided with a comprehensive multilingual list of available mental health services, crisis support hotlines, and financial counseling resources accessible in the UAE. Participants were free to access these services independently, without active facilitation or structured guidance by the research team. This arm represents the standard of care typically available to economically distressed migrant workers experiencing mental health difficulties in the region.