Work

Effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention for people with suicidal behavior in the prison environment. N’VIU project: a randomized control trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Suicide rates are higher in prison environments than those in the general population. Therefore, preventive activities are crucial. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational group intervention in decreasing the number of suicidal behaviors in prisons. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in nine prisons in Catalonia. Main outcome: total number of suicidal behaviors. Other variables: suicidal ideations, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and quality of life. The intervention group carried out 17 psychoeducation sessions and the control group received information. RESULTS: 171 individuals participated in the study, mean age of 34.9 years, 84.8% males. The intervention group (n = 85) reduced anxiety and depression and increased quality of life post-intervention (p < 0.05), with no changes in the control group (n = 86). Both groups reduced all suicide items except for the number of interrupted/aborted attempts and the percentage of people with non-suicidal self-injurious behavior, which improved only in the intervention group. In both groups, the absolute number of suicide attempts decreased (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The psychoeducational intervention had an impact on suicidal ideation observed in both groups, with a non-significant reduction in the number of suicide attempts. Furthermore, the intervention improved levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on January 19, 2022 (NCT05195554).

Source: Health & Justice

DOI: 10.1186/s40352-025-00383-z