Effectiveness of an Integrative Protocol in Reducing the Negative Attitude towards Problem Solving as a Determinant of Suicidality among Teenagers and Youth 15-24 Years old in Ilam, Iran

Background and Aim: Adolescents' attitude to suicide is one of the major problems in mental health.  Thus, research in this area is of utmost importance. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an integrated protocol in reducing the negative attitude toward problem solving as a determinant of suicidal tendency in adolescents and young people 15-24 years old in Ilam, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental pretest-posttest study with a control group, a sample of 40 adolescents 15-24 years old were selected by random cluster sampling in Ilam city, Iran. All of the participants completed a suicidal attitude questionnaire, as well a negative- attitude-toward-problem solving questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the SPSS-V19 software, the statistical test being the multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA). Results: Multivariate analysis of variance analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the attested scores of the two groups (P <0.01, F = 0.408, Wilk's Lambda = 0.506). The differences between the experimental and control groups were significant as regards all of the components of the negative attitude. The training based on the integrated approach to negative attitude in problem solving was found to have been effective. The post-test scores of two variables, namely, problem tendency-avoidance and personal control, decreased in the experimental group; however, one other variable, namely, trust in problem-solving, increased. Conclusion: Based on the findings it can be concluded that education based on an eclectic (integrated) approach towards the negative attitude to problem solving can be effective in adolescents and the youth 15-24 years old with suicidal tendencies ─ suicidality. Hence, it is recommended to administer training programs such as problem-solving, emotional regulation and mindfulness to help psychologists, parents, adolescents, health professionals and social pathologists to reduce and prevent suicide in adolescents.