Effectiveness of Life Skill Trainings in Ego Power, Temperament, and Suicidal Thoughts among Girls and Boys Attempting to Commit Suicide in Ilam Province, Iran

Introduction: Suicide is caused by the interaction of many factors; however, most suicides are preventable. If suicide does not lead to death, there is concern that the behavior may be repeated. Teaching life skills based on participatory and practical learning is very effective in increasing health and early prevention of problems, as well as helping adolescents to learn positive behaviors and maintain their mental health. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of life skill training in ego power, temperament, and suicidal thoughts among the girls and boys who attempted to commit suicide in Ilam province, Iran. Material & Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted based on a pretest-posttest design with control and follow-up groups. The statistical population of the research included all boys and girls aged 18 to 24 (n=212) in Ilam province who for the first time over the past six months in 2018-2019 committed suicide and were referred to the medical centers of this province. In total, 80 cases were purposefully selected as an accessible sample and were matched and assigned into (based on education status) the experimental (20 girls and 20 boys) and control groups (20 girls and 20 boys). The data were collected using the temperament scale, ego scale, and suicidal thought scale. The data were analyzed through variance analysis with frequent measurements. (Ethic code:10120705972003) Findings: The results of analysis of variance showed a significant difference in pre-post life skill training test among girls and boys who attempted to commit suicide in Ilam province in the experimental, control, and follow-up groups in terms of the level of temperament, ego power, and suicidal thoughts. Similarly, multivariate analysis of variance showed that life skill training in group type and test status had an effect on temperament and its dimensions, ego power, and suicidal thoughts of boys and girls who attempted to commit suicide in Ilam province. Discussion & Conclusion: According to the findings it can be concluded that life skills training has been effective in ego power, temperament, and suicidal thoughts of girls and boys who attempted suicide both in the post-test and follow-up stages.