Effectiveness of Resilience-Enhancing Interventions on Suicide-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Purpose: This study investigated the effectiveness of resilience-enhancing interventions on suicide-related outcomes, defining resilience as the ability to cope effectively with stressful situations. Methods: A total of 567 records were identified from searches conducted between October 31 and November 14, 2024, across the Cochrane Library, PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases. Following screening and eligibility assessment, five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected for the final analysis. Results: While all included studies reported reductions in suicide-related outcomes after resilience interventions, only two demonstrated significant differences between the intervention and control groups. These interventions also led to improvements in other mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and overall resilience. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to potential bias. Conclusion: This review suggests that resilience holds promise as a crucial positive psychological factor in influencing suicide-related outcomes. This perspective shifts the focus from risk factors to protective characteristics, potentially addressing ethical challenges and enhancing participant engagement in suicide-related research.