A Study on the Development of a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Program for Suicide Prevention in Individuals with Alcohol Dependency

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a suicide prevention program tailored for individuals with alcohol dependency, based on Ellis's Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) principles. The program was created using established counseling and psychoeducational program development models, with the primary objective of reducing suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms by challenging irrational beliefs and fostering rational ones. The program's core components include 'Disputing Irrational Beliefs,' 'Strengthening Rational Beliefs,' 'Emotional Regulation,' and 'Behavior Modification.' Each session is designed with specific goals to promote emotional stability and encourage behavioral change, equipping participants with practical coping strategies to mitigate suicidal thoughts actively. Although the program offers a theoretically robust framework for suicide risk reduction, this study's limitation lies in the absence of real-world feedback and program refinement based on implementation outcomes. Future research should focus on validating the program’s efficacy through pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments to ensure sustainable results over time. Additionally, randomized controlled trials with larger and more diverse sample populations are recommended to enhance the reliability and generalizability of the findings.