Effects of the Interpersonal Need Program on Suicidal Ideation and Suicidal Attempt in Mentally Ill Patients

Abstract

Background: Mentally ill patients are extremely at risk for suicide. Interpersonal need program which is the nursing intervention for mentally ill patients based on interpersonal theory of suicide was developed by the researchers to reduce suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt. The present study aimed to examine effects of the interpersonal need program on suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt in mentally ill patients. Methods: This study employed a pretest-posttest control group design. The participants were sixty-six people comprising of 33 mentally ill patients and 33 of their caregivers. The experimental group received the interpersonal need program whereas the control group obtained the usual care. The participants were assessed using Thai version of the scale for suicidal ideation (SSI-Thai version 2014) and the suicidal attempt record on the recruitment date and 14 days after discharge. Results: The experimental group significantly demonstrated more reduction of suicidal ideation (p < 0.01) than the control group. The study also found that there was no significant difference of suicidal attempt. Conclusion: The interpersonal need program demonstrates effects on reduction of suicidal ideation in mentally ill patients.