Investigating the prediction of suicidal thoughts based on metacognitive beliefs and emotional schemas in male substance users in Ilam city in 2022

One of the major problems presented to the mental health of substance users is the presence of suicidal thoughts and beliefs. Paying attention to metacognitive beliefs and schemas predict suicidal thoughts can be considered very important in counseling and psychotherapy. The present study aimed to predict suicidal thoughts based on metacognitive beliefs and emotional schemas in male substance users in Ilam, Iran.

This descriptive-analytical study investigated the relationship of suicidal thoughts with metacognitive beliefs and emotional schemas in male substance abusers in Ilam, in 2021-2022. A total of 170 male substance users were selected via the convenience sampling method. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire form, the Beck Suicidal Thought Questionnaire (BSSI), the Wells Metacognitive Belief Questionnaire (MCQ30), and the Leahy Emotional Schema Questionnaire (ESS-P). The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21) using Pearson's correlation test and multiple regressions.

The results pointed to a significant negative relationship between positive schema and tendency to suicidal thoughts (P=0.001; r=-0.430). Moreover, there was a significant positive relationship between negative schema and a tendency to suicidal thoughts (P=0.001; r=0.621). Furthermore, a tendency to suicidal thoughts showed a significant positive relationship with anxiety (r=0.334), negative belief (r=0.432), low cognition (r=0.376), negative metacognition(r=0.329), and low self-awareness (r=0.334) (P=0.001).

Metacognitive beliefs and emotional schemas can be useful predictors of suicidal thoughts in substance users. Paying attention to these factors can be effective in reducing and preventing suicidal thoughts and creating a model for improving the educational system and preventing suicide in male substance users.