A BRIEF SELF-COMPASSION AND SELF-ESTEEM INTERVENTION FOR SUICIDAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A FEASIBILITY STUDY

Abstract Objectives Suicide is a serious mental health problem among university students. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a novel psychological education program targets suicidal ideation by enhancing self-esteem and self-compassion. Methods A single-arm study design was implemented to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a novel four-session psychoeducation program for university students who experienced suicidal ideation. The study protocol was registered retrospectively in the national UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (Registration ID: UMIN000043702) and approved by Hokkaido University Ethical Committee (Approval ID: 20-031). Recruitment took place from Hokkaido university health care center. Suicidal behaviors, self- compassion, self-esteem, and other psychological variables were measured at baseline, post- intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Participants also completed an evaluation of the program’ s acceptability. Results Currently, twelve participants consented to take part in the intervention with nine participants completed post treatment assessments. The attrition rate was 25%. There was a significant reduction for depression (Cohen’ s d = 1.198) and suicidal behaviors (Cohen’ s d = 0.891) as well as a significant increase for self-compassion (Cohen’ s d =1.352) at post-intervention. Additionally, the psychoeducation program was highly appreciated and positively received by the participants. Discussion The study showed promising result for the psychoeducation program, especially in terms of reducing suicidal ideation and depression. However, the study suffers from a small sample size with a single-arm study design. Further study regarding the effectiveness of the program is highly warranted.