The Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Fear of Compassion, Emotion Efficacy, and Self-Concealment in Female Adolescents with Suicidal Ideation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Urmia Branch, Urmia, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Semnan Branch, Semnan, Iran

4 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

10.34172/jhad.1178

Abstract

Background: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been widely used to address emotional dysregulation and self-destructive behaviors. This study explores its effectiveness in reducing fear of compassion, enhancing emotion efficacy, and decreasing self-concealment in female adolescents with suicidal ideation.
Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of adolescents with suicidal ideation in Ardabil City in 2024. A total of 36 adolescents with suicidal ideation were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to either the experimental group (n = 18) or the control group (n = 18). The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of DBT, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Fear of Compassion Scale, Emotion Efficacy Scale, and Self-Concealment Scale.
Results: The results showed that DBT significantly enhances emotion efficacy (F = 63.42, P = 0.001, η2 = 0.68), and reduces expressing compassion for others (F = 51.20, P = 0.001, η2 = 0.63), receiving compassion from others (F = 57.75, P = 0.001, η2 = 0.66), expressing self-compassion (F = 71.36, P = 0.001, η2 = 0.71), and self-concealment (F = 53.42, P = 0.001, η2 = 0.64) among female adolescents with suicidal ideation.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that DBT is an effective intervention for improving emotional regulation and reducing maladaptive coping mechanisms in female adolescents with suicidal ideation. Given its effectiveness, future studies should investigate the long-term effects of DBT and its applicability across diverse adolescent populations.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Health and Development Journal
Volume 13, Issue 4
December 2024
Pages 194-202

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 24 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 01 July 2025

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