In many countries today, suicide among older adults has become a significant public health concern. Additionally, cognitive distortions are among the psychological challenges of aging, leading individuals to misinterpret situations in an illogical and inaccurate manner. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in reducing cognitive distortions and suicidal thoughts among older adults in Ahvaz. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group. The study population comprised all older adults in Ahvaz in 2024. The sample included 30 individuals (aged 65 to 75), selected using convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group received Lineman’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy in eight weekly 90-minute sessions. The study utilized the Cognitive Distortion Scale by Hamamci and Buyuk Ozturk, as well as Beck’s Suicide Thoughts Scale. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance via SPSS version 22. The results demonstrated a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in post-test measures of cognitive distortions and suicidal thoughts, controlling for pre-test effects (P < 0.001). Based on these findings, Dialectical Behavior Therapy effectively reduces cognitive distortions and suicidal thoughts in older adults, highlighting new opportunities for clinical interventions. This study suggests DBT as a viable therapeutic approach for improving cognitive distortions and mitigating suicidal ideation in this population.
Tarouti, K., haroonrashidi, H., & Arjmand Siyahpoush, E. (2025). The Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Cognitive Distortions and Suicidal Thoughts in Older Adults. Aging Psychology, 11(1), 75-61. doi: 10.22126/jap.2025.11573.1826
MLA
khadijeh Tarouti; homayoon haroonrashidi; eshagh Arjmand Siyahpoush. "The Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Cognitive Distortions and Suicidal Thoughts in Older Adults". Aging Psychology, 11, 1, 2025, 75-61. doi: 10.22126/jap.2025.11573.1826
HARVARD
Tarouti, K., haroonrashidi, H., Arjmand Siyahpoush, E. (2025). 'The Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Cognitive Distortions and Suicidal Thoughts in Older Adults', Aging Psychology, 11(1), pp. 75-61. doi: 10.22126/jap.2025.11573.1826
VANCOUVER
Tarouti, K., haroonrashidi, H., Arjmand Siyahpoush, E. The Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Cognitive Distortions and Suicidal Thoughts in Older Adults. Aging Psychology, 2025; 11(1): 75-61. doi: 10.22126/jap.2025.11573.1826
)