The Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions on Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Iran

Suicide and suicidal behavior are critical issues in the mental and social health systems around the world. The extant study aimed at conducting a meta-analysis on previous studies carried out in the field of the effect of psychological intervention on suicidal (thoughts and behaviors) in Iran, 2010-2021. The present paper used the meta-analysis technique. The statistical population comprised previous papers, dissertations, and studies by searching through Iranian and foreign databases, such as SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Civilica, Ricest, Noormags, Google Scholar, and Ensani.ir, Scientific-Research Journals, and central libraries of universities in Iran. Overall, 40 studies were selected. Furthermore, a meta-analysis checklist was used to follow inclusion criteria and extract the required data. Finally, 26 studies were chosen, and their effect size was reported. Statistical analyses were done based on the analysis method introduced by Howitt and Cramer (2005). The obtained results indicated the combined effect size of Es=0.99 in reducing suicidal thoughts and attempts. The obtained value was greater than 0.80, which indicates a high effect size based on Cohen's Table. The combined significance level of conducted studies equaled P<0.00001 showing the significant total effect size of the meta-analysis of the effectiveness of psychological interventions on suicidal (thoughts and behavior) in Iran. Psychological interventions had high effectiveness in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Iran.