Introduction: Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders, with a growing prevalence in recent years, particularly among adolescents. Over the past decades, numerous protocols within the cognitive-behavioral framework have been developed for emotional disorders, especially depression; however, none have been designed based on a robust emotional model. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Emotion-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy protocol based on the SPAARS model on suicidal ideation, negative affect, and quality of life in depressed adolescents.
Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest format and a control group. The study population consisted of all male and female students aged 13–18 years in Isfahan Province in 2024. The sample included 30 adolescents diagnosed with depression and experiencing suicidal thoughts, selected through convenience sampling from clients of counseling centers affiliated with the Department of Education in Isfahan. Participants were randomly assigned to groups. Research variables were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders (SCID-5), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance .
Results: Findings indicated that posttest scores of suicidal ideation and negative affect significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Moreover, posttest scores of quality of life significantly increased in the experimental group relative to the control group (p < 0.01).
Discussion and Conclusion: The Emotion-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy protocol based on the SPAARS model was effective in improving suicidal ideation, negative affect, and quality of life in depressed adolescents. Therefore, it may be considered a promising treatment for depression accompanied by suicidal ideation.