Implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Hopelessness and Suicidal Ideation among Individuals with Depression

Description

Page: 290-294

Rohit Kumar Turi, Roshni Singh, and Jai Prakash (Department of Clinical Psychology, RINPAS, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand)

The term depression is commonly used to describe feelings of sadness that most individuals experience at various points in their lives. However, it is also a clinical term that refers to a range of diagnosable depressive disorders. Given the prevalence of depressive feelings, it is crucial to distinguish between temporary sadness due to life events and the persistent symptoms of a depressive disorder. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation among individuals diagnosed with depression. The study sample comprised 20 participants diagnosed with depression based on the ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research (DCR). Participants were divided into two groups: Experimental group (received ACT intervention) and Control group (received treatment as usual). To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, the following standardized psychological measures were used: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Hopelessness Scale, and Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ). The results of the study revealed that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was effective in reducing depressive symptoms, improving hopelessness, and managing suicidal ideation in the experimental group compared to the control group. Participants who received ACT showed greater psychological flexibility, reduced experiential avoidance, and improved emotional regulation, which contributed to their overall well-being. Furthermore, the findings suggest that ACT is a valuable intervention for individuals with depression, particularly those struggling with hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The therapy’s emphasis on acceptance, mindfulness, and values-driven behavior may provide long-term benefits by reducing cognitive entanglement with negative thoughts and enhancing life engagement.