Suicidal IdeationBrief CBTNCT07111377
Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Reducing Suicidal Ideation in Economically Distressed Migrants
A study testing Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in people with Suicidal Ideation and Depression, run by Bath Spa University Academic Centre RAK at 1 site in United Arab Emirates.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Suicidal Ideation, Depression, Anxiety
- What is being tested?
- Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 120 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited Arab Emirates
- Study dates
- 10 Jan 2024to 25 Nov 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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 locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United Arab Emirates1 site
Bath Spa University Academic Centre RAK
Dubai, Dubai, 00000
About this study
Official title: The Efficacy of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Brief CBT) in Reducing Suicidal Ideation Among Economically Distressed Migrant Workers in the Middle East: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
Read the 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.
- Conditions
- Suicidal Ideation, Depression, Anxiety, Financial Stress
- Being tested
- Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Keywords
- Suicidal Ideation, Migrant Workers, Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Financial Stress
- Medical subject headings
- Suicidal Ideation, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Financial Stress
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Brief Cognitive Behavioral TherapyBehavioural
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Brief CBT | Experimental | 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. Receives: Behavioral: Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy |
| Treatment as Usual (TAU) | No intervention | 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. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Reduction in Suicidal Ideation Severity (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation; BSS)
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.
Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks (mid-treatment), 8 weeks (post-treatment), and 3-month follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Aug 2025
- Study start10 Jan 2024
- Primary completion15 Oct 2024
- Study completion25 Nov 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Suicidal IdeationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either Brief CBT or Treatment as Usual (TAU).
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Bath Spa University Academic Centre RAK
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Jamal D. Magantor, Bath Spa University Academic Centre RAK
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07111377
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BSU-RAK-PSYCH - 2025-0008
- Acronym
- Brief CBT
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 1 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Aug 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001 Sep;16(9):606-13. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x.
PubMed 11556941Bryan CJ, Rudd MD. Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention. New York: The Guilford Press; 2018.
Prawitz AD, Garman ET, Sorhaindo B, O'Neill B, Kim J, Drentea P. InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale: Development, administration, and score interpretation. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning. 2006;17(1):34-50.
Lovibond SH, Lovibond PF. Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. 2nd ed. Sydney: Psychology Foundation; 1995.
Beck AT, Steer RA, Ranieri WF. Scale for Suicide Ideation: psychometric properties of a self-report version. J Clin Psychol. 1988 Jul;44(4):499-505. doi: 10.1002/1097-4679(198807)44:43.0.co;2-6.
PubMed 3170753
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Aug 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Efficacy of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Brief CBT) in Reducing Suicidal Ideation Among Economically Distressed Migrant Workers in the Middle East: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07111377
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Brief CBT / BSU-RAK-PSYCH - 2025-0008
- Conditions
- Suicidal Ideation, Depression, Anxiety, Financial Stress
- Keywords
- Suicidal Ideation, Migrant Workers, Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Financial Stress
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Bath Spa University Academic Centre RAKUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Nov 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either Brief CBT or Treatment as Usual (TAU).
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Brief CBT | Experimental | Behavioral: Brief Cognitive Behavioral TherapyParticipants 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 as Usual (TAU) | No intervention | –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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Brief Cognitive Behavioral TherapyParticipants 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. | Behavioural | Brief CBT |
Primary outcome
Reduction in Suicidal Ideation Severity (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation; BSS)
Time frame: 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.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Aug 2025.
- Background: PubMed 11556941Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001 Sep;16(9):606-13. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x.
- Results publicationBryan CJ, Rudd MD. Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention. New York: The Guilford Press; 2018.
- Results publicationPrawitz AD, Garman ET, Sorhaindo B, O'Neill B, Kim J, Drentea P. InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale: Development, administration, and score interpretation. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning. 2006;17(1):34-50.
- Results publicationLovibond SH, Lovibond PF. Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. 2nd ed. Sydney: Psychology Foundation; 1995.
- Results publication: PubMed 3170753Beck AT, Steer RA, Ranieri WF. Scale for Suicide Ideation: psychometric properties of a self-report version. J Clin Psychol. 1988 Jul;44(4):499-505. doi: 10.1002/1097-4679(198807)44:43.0.co;2-6.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in people with Suicidal Ideation and Depression, run by Bath Spa University Academic Centre RAK at 1 site in United Arab Emirates.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Aug 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United Arab Emirates. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Reduction in Suicidal Ideation Severity (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation; BSS) (time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks (mid-treatment), 8 weeks (post-treatment), and 3-month follow-up). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07111377, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Aug 2025.