Volume 24, Issue 4 (3-2026)
TB 2026, 24(4): 34-52 |
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Kaghazgaran S, Saeidmanesh M, Sadeghieh T, Sadeghipour Meybodi M A, Dehghanizadeh M. Comparison of the Effectiveness of Existential Group Therapy and Psychoeducational Group Therapy on Mental Health and Suicide Resilience in Adolescent Girls. TB 2026; 24 (4) :34-52
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3826-en.html
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3826-en.html
Soheila Kaghazgaran 
, Mohsen Saeidmanesh * , Tahereh Sadeghieh , Mohammad Ali Sadeghipour Meybodi , Moslem Dehghanizadeh
, Mohsen Saeidmanesh * , Tahereh Sadeghieh , Mohammad Ali Sadeghipour Meybodi , Moslem Dehghanizadeh
Science and Arts University , m.saeidmanesh@yahoo.com
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Comparison of the Effectiveness of Existential Group Therapy and Psychoeducational Group Therapy on Mental Health and Suicide Resilience in Adolescent Girls
Soheila Kaghazgaran (Ph.D. Candidate)1, Mohsen Saeidmanesh (Ph.D.)2, Tahereh Sadeghieh (M.D.)3,
Moslem Dehghanizadeh (Ph.D.)4, Mohammad Ali Sadeghipour Meybodi (Ph.D.)5
1.PhD. Candidate, Department of Psychology, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran
2.Corresponding Author: Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Science and Arts Unversity, Yazd, Iran Email: m.saeidmanesh@yahoo.com Tel: 09133595219
3.Assistant Professor, faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
4.Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Science and Arts Unversity, Yazd, Iran
5.Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Adolescent suicide often occurs as a response to intense emotional stress, hopelessness, and difficulties in effective emotion regulation. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of existential group therapy and psychoeducational intervention on mental health and resilience against suicide among adolescent girls.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with a control group and a three-month follow-up. The sample included 45 adolescent girls aged 13–15 from Yazd, selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (15 each) and a control group (15). All groups were assessed before the intervention using general health and suicide resilience questionnaires. The experimental groups received either existential group therapy or psychoeducational training over three months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANCOVA with SPSS-26.
Results: Both interventions had a significant effect on mental health and resilience against suicide (p< 0/05). The existential therapy group showed greater improvement in both variables compared to the psychoeducational group (p<0/05). Follow-up results indicated that the effects of the interventions were partially sustained, with improvements in the experimental groups maintained relative to the control group.
Conclusion: Both existential group therapy and psychoeducational interventions improved mental health and resilience against suicide in adolescent girls. However, the long-term effects were primarily maintained in the existential therapy group, indicating its greater effectiveness in sustaining outcomes over time.
Keywords: Mental Health, Resilience, Existential Group Therapy, Psychoeducation, Adolescents
1-De Lange J, Baams L, van Bergen DD & et al. Minority Stress and Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts Among LGBT Adolescents and Young Adults: A Meta-Analysis. LGBT Health. 2022;9(4):222-37.
2-Gili M, Castellví P, Vives M & et al. Mental disorders as risk factors for suicidal behavior in young people: A meta-analysis and systematic review of longitudinal studies. J Affect Disord. 2019; 245:152-62.
3-Yang P, Hernandez BS, Plastino KA. Social determinants of mental health and adolescent anxiety and depression: Findings from the 2018 to 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health. International Journal of Social Psychiatry. 2022;69(3):795-798.
4-Bogaerts A, Claes L, Raymaekers K & et al. Trajectories of adaptive and disturbed identity dimensions in adolescence: developmental associations with self-esteem, resilience, symptoms of depression, and borderline personality disorder features. Front. Psychiatry.2023; 14:1125812.
5-Lengvenyte A, Conejero I, Courtet P & et al. Biological bases of suicidal behaviours: A narrative review. Depression, 2021; 53(1): 330–351.
6-Hill NTM, Robinson J, Pirkis J, & et al. Association of suicidal behavior with exposure to suicide and suicide attempt: A systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis. PLOS Med. 2020;17(3): e1003074.
7-World Health Organization. Mental Health Atlas 2020. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021.20–45. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/345946.
8-Hernández Sánchez YE, & Riaño Arévalo R. Factores protectores asociados a la conducta suicida en adolescentes (Trabajo de grado, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia). Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. 2021; 6(1): 1-11.
9-Scardera S, Perret LC, Ouellet-Morin I & et al. Association of Social Support During Adolescence with Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Ideation in Young Adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(12): e2027491.
10-Hatkevich C, Sumlin E, Sharp C. Examining Associations Between Child Abuse and Neglect Experiences with Emotion Regulation Difficulties Indicative of Adolescent Suicidal Ideation Risk. Front Psychiatry. 2021; 12:630697.
11-Marraccini ME, Griffin D, O’Neill JC & et al. School risk and protective factors of suicide: A cultural model of suicide risk and protective factors in schools. Int J Sch Educ Psychol. 2021; 9:266–89.
12-Wang X, Lu Z, Dong C. Suicide resilience: A Concept analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2022; 26:1-18.
13-Florensa MVA, Keliat BA, Wardani IY & et al. Promoting the Mental Health of Adolescents through Cognitive Behavior Group Therapy and Family Psychoeducation. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs. 2019;42(sup1):267-76.
14-Berg RC, Landreth GL, Fall KA. Group Counseling: Concepts and Procedures. 7th ed. USA: Routledge; 2024: 240-252.
15-McCarthy CJ, Bauman S, Choudhuri DD & et al. Association for Specialists in Group Work guiding principles for group work. J Spec Group Work. 2022;47(1):10–21.
16-Kaur, A. Role and existential stress in adolescents in relation to their emotional intelligence and wellbeing: A mixed-method approach. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). 2025; 14(3): 774-780.
17-Morgado T, Lopes V, Carvalho D & et al. The effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions in adolescents’ anxiety: a systematic review protocol, Nursing Reports. 2022; 12(1): 217-225
18-Baourda VC, Brouzos A, Mavridis D. Group Psychoeducation for Anxiety Symptoms in Youth: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal for Specialists in Group Work. 2022; 47(1): 22–42.
19-Doornik SFW, Glashouwer KA, Ostafin BD & et al. The effects of a meaning-centered intervention on meaning in life and eating disorder symptoms in undergraduate women with high weight and shape concerns: a randomized controlled trial. Behav Ther. 2024;55(1):177–90.
20-Moreta-Herrera R, Domínguez Lara S, Vaca-Quintana D & et al. Psychometric properties of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) in Ecuadorian college students. Psihologijske Teme. 2021;30(3):573–90.
21-Mahdiyar M, Nejati F. Validation of the Suicide Resilience Questionnaire. Health Psychol Res Q. 2015;4(4):96-107.[Persian]
22-Andrews K, Ross D, Maroney TL. Online Group Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review. Community Ment Health J. 2024; 60(8):1511-1531.
23-Lukens EP, & McFarlane WR. Psychoeducation as evidence-based practice: Considerations for practice, research, and policy. Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention. 2004; 4(3): 205–225.
24-Marianne D, Sally-Ann C, Castillo-Eito L & et al. Psychoeducation for Children with Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Journal of Pediatric Psychology. 2020; 45(4): 386–398.
25-Weixel-Dixon K. Existential Group Counselling and Psychotherapy. 1st ed. London (UK): Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group; 2020: 178-186.
26-Saeidmanesh A, Azizi M, Moradi S. The effectiveness of cognitive-existential group therapy on anxiety and hope for life in adolescents with cancer. Sci Res Q Soc Work. 2019;7(4):31-8.
27-Bagian Kulehmarzi MJ, Rajabi M, Moosivand M & et al. Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Suicide Resilience Inventory in adolescents with suicidal ideation. International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction. 2025; 14(3): e160448.[Persian]
28-Rahbar Karbasdehi E, Hosseinkhanzadeh AA, Rahbar Karbasdehi F. The Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Psychological Resilience and Existential Anxiety in Adolescents with Leukemia. Int J Sch Health. 2021;8(3):176-83.[Persian]
29-Maple M, Wayland S, Pearce T & et al. A Psychoeducational Support Group Intervention for People Who Have Attempted Suicide: An Open Trial with Promising Preliminary Findings. Community Ment Health J. 2022;58(8):1621-9.
30-Perica MI, Calabro FJ, Larsen B & et al. Development of frontal GABA and glutamate supports excitation/inhibition balance from adolescence into adulthood. Prog Neurobiol. 2022; 219:102370.
31-Tang Y, Diao H, Jin F & et al. The effect of peer education based on adolescent health education on the resilience of children and adolescents: A cluster randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2022;17(2): e0263012.
32-Fahlevi, R. The humanistic and existential approach to improve students’ emotional intelligence in school counseling program. Konselor. 2020; 9(1): 29–35.[Persian]
33-Boroomandian N, Mohammadi N, Rahimi Taghanaki C. Comparing the Effectiveness of Group Therapy by “Interaction and Psychodrama” on Emotional Awareness of Adolescent Girls with Psychological Distress. Psychol Achiev. 2020;27(1):1-22.[Persian]
34-Castellví P, Miranda-Mendizábal A, Alayo I & et al. Assessing the Relationship Between School Failure and Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Longitudinal Studies. Sch Ment Health. 2020; 12:429-41.
35-Zadafshar B, Sharifi T, Ahmadi R & et al. Effects of Emotion-focused Therapy and Existential Group Therapy on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in the Victims of Child Sexual Harassment. JCCNC 2021; 7 (3) :227-236,
36-Pirfalak M, Atashpour S H, Golparvar M. Comparison of the effectiveness of existential therapy and rational emotive behavioral therapy on meaning in life and anger management among adolescents with suicidal ideation. Contemporary Psychology. 2022; 17(2): 140–153.
37-Deljouyi Sarkash Z, Fardin M A, Nouri Moghadam S. Effectiveness of Existential Group Therapy on Perceived Inadequacy in Adolescents with Neglectful or No Guardians in the Welfare Center of Zanjan City. Journal of Adolescent and Youth Psychological Studies (JAYPS). 2025; 6(10): 1-11.
Soheila Kaghazgaran (Ph.D. Candidate)1, Mohsen Saeidmanesh (Ph.D.)2, Tahereh Sadeghieh (M.D.)3,
Moslem Dehghanizadeh (Ph.D.)4, Mohammad Ali Sadeghipour Meybodi (Ph.D.)5
1.PhD. Candidate, Department of Psychology, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran
2.Corresponding Author: Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Science and Arts Unversity, Yazd, Iran Email: m.saeidmanesh@yahoo.com Tel: 09133595219
3.Assistant Professor, faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
4.Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Science and Arts Unversity, Yazd, Iran
5.Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Adolescent suicide often occurs as a response to intense emotional stress, hopelessness, and difficulties in effective emotion regulation. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of existential group therapy and psychoeducational intervention on mental health and resilience against suicide among adolescent girls.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with a control group and a three-month follow-up. The sample included 45 adolescent girls aged 13–15 from Yazd, selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (15 each) and a control group (15). All groups were assessed before the intervention using general health and suicide resilience questionnaires. The experimental groups received either existential group therapy or psychoeducational training over three months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANCOVA with SPSS-26.
Results: Both interventions had a significant effect on mental health and resilience against suicide (p< 0/05). The existential therapy group showed greater improvement in both variables compared to the psychoeducational group (p<0/05). Follow-up results indicated that the effects of the interventions were partially sustained, with improvements in the experimental groups maintained relative to the control group.
Conclusion: Both existential group therapy and psychoeducational interventions improved mental health and resilience against suicide in adolescent girls. However, the long-term effects were primarily maintained in the existential therapy group, indicating its greater effectiveness in sustaining outcomes over time.
Keywords: Mental Health, Resilience, Existential Group Therapy, Psychoeducation, Adolescents
1-De Lange J, Baams L, van Bergen DD & et al. Minority Stress and Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts Among LGBT Adolescents and Young Adults: A Meta-Analysis. LGBT Health. 2022;9(4):222-37.
2-Gili M, Castellví P, Vives M & et al. Mental disorders as risk factors for suicidal behavior in young people: A meta-analysis and systematic review of longitudinal studies. J Affect Disord. 2019; 245:152-62.
3-Yang P, Hernandez BS, Plastino KA. Social determinants of mental health and adolescent anxiety and depression: Findings from the 2018 to 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health. International Journal of Social Psychiatry. 2022;69(3):795-798.
4-Bogaerts A, Claes L, Raymaekers K & et al. Trajectories of adaptive and disturbed identity dimensions in adolescence: developmental associations with self-esteem, resilience, symptoms of depression, and borderline personality disorder features. Front. Psychiatry.2023; 14:1125812.
5-Lengvenyte A, Conejero I, Courtet P & et al. Biological bases of suicidal behaviours: A narrative review. Depression, 2021; 53(1): 330–351.
6-Hill NTM, Robinson J, Pirkis J, & et al. Association of suicidal behavior with exposure to suicide and suicide attempt: A systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis. PLOS Med. 2020;17(3): e1003074.
7-World Health Organization. Mental Health Atlas 2020. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021.20–45. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/345946.
8-Hernández Sánchez YE, & Riaño Arévalo R. Factores protectores asociados a la conducta suicida en adolescentes (Trabajo de grado, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia). Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. 2021; 6(1): 1-11.
9-Scardera S, Perret LC, Ouellet-Morin I & et al. Association of Social Support During Adolescence with Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Ideation in Young Adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(12): e2027491.
10-Hatkevich C, Sumlin E, Sharp C. Examining Associations Between Child Abuse and Neglect Experiences with Emotion Regulation Difficulties Indicative of Adolescent Suicidal Ideation Risk. Front Psychiatry. 2021; 12:630697.
11-Marraccini ME, Griffin D, O’Neill JC & et al. School risk and protective factors of suicide: A cultural model of suicide risk and protective factors in schools. Int J Sch Educ Psychol. 2021; 9:266–89.
12-Wang X, Lu Z, Dong C. Suicide resilience: A Concept analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2022; 26:1-18.
13-Florensa MVA, Keliat BA, Wardani IY & et al. Promoting the Mental Health of Adolescents through Cognitive Behavior Group Therapy and Family Psychoeducation. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs. 2019;42(sup1):267-76.
14-Berg RC, Landreth GL, Fall KA. Group Counseling: Concepts and Procedures. 7th ed. USA: Routledge; 2024: 240-252.
15-McCarthy CJ, Bauman S, Choudhuri DD & et al. Association for Specialists in Group Work guiding principles for group work. J Spec Group Work. 2022;47(1):10–21.
16-Kaur, A. Role and existential stress in adolescents in relation to their emotional intelligence and wellbeing: A mixed-method approach. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). 2025; 14(3): 774-780.
17-Morgado T, Lopes V, Carvalho D & et al. The effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions in adolescents’ anxiety: a systematic review protocol, Nursing Reports. 2022; 12(1): 217-225
18-Baourda VC, Brouzos A, Mavridis D. Group Psychoeducation for Anxiety Symptoms in Youth: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal for Specialists in Group Work. 2022; 47(1): 22–42.
19-Doornik SFW, Glashouwer KA, Ostafin BD & et al. The effects of a meaning-centered intervention on meaning in life and eating disorder symptoms in undergraduate women with high weight and shape concerns: a randomized controlled trial. Behav Ther. 2024;55(1):177–90.
20-Moreta-Herrera R, Domínguez Lara S, Vaca-Quintana D & et al. Psychometric properties of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) in Ecuadorian college students. Psihologijske Teme. 2021;30(3):573–90.
21-Mahdiyar M, Nejati F. Validation of the Suicide Resilience Questionnaire. Health Psychol Res Q. 2015;4(4):96-107.[Persian]
22-Andrews K, Ross D, Maroney TL. Online Group Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review. Community Ment Health J. 2024; 60(8):1511-1531.
23-Lukens EP, & McFarlane WR. Psychoeducation as evidence-based practice: Considerations for practice, research, and policy. Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention. 2004; 4(3): 205–225.
24-Marianne D, Sally-Ann C, Castillo-Eito L & et al. Psychoeducation for Children with Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Journal of Pediatric Psychology. 2020; 45(4): 386–398.
25-Weixel-Dixon K. Existential Group Counselling and Psychotherapy. 1st ed. London (UK): Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group; 2020: 178-186.
26-Saeidmanesh A, Azizi M, Moradi S. The effectiveness of cognitive-existential group therapy on anxiety and hope for life in adolescents with cancer. Sci Res Q Soc Work. 2019;7(4):31-8.
27-Bagian Kulehmarzi MJ, Rajabi M, Moosivand M & et al. Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Suicide Resilience Inventory in adolescents with suicidal ideation. International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction. 2025; 14(3): e160448.[Persian]
28-Rahbar Karbasdehi E, Hosseinkhanzadeh AA, Rahbar Karbasdehi F. The Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Psychological Resilience and Existential Anxiety in Adolescents with Leukemia. Int J Sch Health. 2021;8(3):176-83.[Persian]
29-Maple M, Wayland S, Pearce T & et al. A Psychoeducational Support Group Intervention for People Who Have Attempted Suicide: An Open Trial with Promising Preliminary Findings. Community Ment Health J. 2022;58(8):1621-9.
30-Perica MI, Calabro FJ, Larsen B & et al. Development of frontal GABA and glutamate supports excitation/inhibition balance from adolescence into adulthood. Prog Neurobiol. 2022; 219:102370.
31-Tang Y, Diao H, Jin F & et al. The effect of peer education based on adolescent health education on the resilience of children and adolescents: A cluster randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2022;17(2): e0263012.
32-Fahlevi, R. The humanistic and existential approach to improve students’ emotional intelligence in school counseling program. Konselor. 2020; 9(1): 29–35.[Persian]
33-Boroomandian N, Mohammadi N, Rahimi Taghanaki C. Comparing the Effectiveness of Group Therapy by “Interaction and Psychodrama” on Emotional Awareness of Adolescent Girls with Psychological Distress. Psychol Achiev. 2020;27(1):1-22.[Persian]
34-Castellví P, Miranda-Mendizábal A, Alayo I & et al. Assessing the Relationship Between School Failure and Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Longitudinal Studies. Sch Ment Health. 2020; 12:429-41.
35-Zadafshar B, Sharifi T, Ahmadi R & et al. Effects of Emotion-focused Therapy and Existential Group Therapy on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in the Victims of Child Sexual Harassment. JCCNC 2021; 7 (3) :227-236,
36-Pirfalak M, Atashpour S H, Golparvar M. Comparison of the effectiveness of existential therapy and rational emotive behavioral therapy on meaning in life and anger management among adolescents with suicidal ideation. Contemporary Psychology. 2022; 17(2): 140–153.
37-Deljouyi Sarkash Z, Fardin M A, Nouri Moghadam S. Effectiveness of Existential Group Therapy on Perceived Inadequacy in Adolescents with Neglectful or No Guardians in the Welfare Center of Zanjan City. Journal of Adolescent and Youth Psychological Studies (JAYPS). 2025; 6(10): 1-11.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Psychology
Received: 2025/07/6 | Accepted: 2025/09/13 | Published: 2026/03/1
Received: 2025/07/6 | Accepted: 2025/09/13 | Published: 2026/03/1
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