The effect of a spiritual intelligence‐based counselling programme on suicidal ideation and self‐concept among retirement

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSpiritual counselling techniques can offer individuals a sense of new meaning and a way to cope with difficulties. However, no prior study has specifically examined the effectiveness of a spiritual intelligence counselling programme on suicidal ideation and self‐concept among retired individuals.AimsThis study aimed to evaluate how a new counselling programme focusing on spiritual intelligence helps retired individuals deal with suicidal ideation and self‐concept.Materials and MethodsA total of 40 retired individuals were split into two groups: one that received the counselling programme (experimental group = 20) and one that did not (control group = 20) based on their initial scores of suicidal ideation and self‐concept scales. The experimental group went through a 10‐session counselling programme, meeting for 90 min each week from April to June 2023.ResultsBased on means, standard deviations and analysis of variance, results found significant differences in scores between those who underwent the counselling programme and those who did not. The experimental group revealed a decrease in suicidal ideation and an improvement in self‐concept after completing the counselling programme. Males seemed to benefit more from the spiritual intelligence‐based counselling programme than females in reducing suicidal ideation. There was no difference between males and females regarding self‐concept.DiscussionThe spiritual counselling programme improves self‐concept and reduces suicidal ideation among retired individuals.ConclusionThe results suggest that the spiritual intelligence‐based counselling programme shows promise in addressing mental health issues among retired individuals.