Title: Assessing the Efficacy of Self-Compassion Therapy in Reducing Suicidal Ideation: The Mediating Role of Social Support among Socially Frustrated In-School Adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Sylvester Umanhonlen and Rotimi Adebayo Animasahun
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 1-8
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
This study explored the effect of Self-Compassion Therapy (SCT) on suicidal ideation among socially frustrated in-school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 60 adolescents were purposively selected from two public secondary schools in Ibadan North Local Government Areas. Participants were identified as socially frustrated using the Social Frustration Scale (SFS) and as experiencing suicidal ideation using the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire-Junior (SIQ-JR). Thirty participants received SCT over an eight-week period, while the other 30 served as a control group. Data were collected at pre-test and post-test stages, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyse the differences in suicidal ideation between the groups, controlling for pre-test scores. Results showed that SCT had a significant main effect on reducing suicidal ideation (F=349.473, p<0.05, ?²=0.901), indicating a substantial reduction in suicidal thoughts among adolescents who underwent the therapy. However, no significant interaction effect between SCT and social support was found (F=1.285, p>0.05, ?²=0.062), suggesting that social support did not moderate the effect of SCT on suicidal ideation. The study recommends integrating SCT into psychological interventions for socially frustrated adolescents, while also emphasising the importance of social support in mitigating suicidal ideation.