Citation

Thompson EA, Eggert LL, Randell BP, Pike KC. Am. J. Public Health 2001; 91(5): 742-752.

Affiliation

Reconnecting Youth Prevention Research Program, Psychosocial and Community Health, Campus Box 357263, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA 98195-7263, USA. elainet@u.washington.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, American Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11344882

PMCID

PMC1446664

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the efficacy of 2 indicated preventive interventions, postintervention and at 9-month follow-up. METHODS: Drawn from a pool of potential high school dropouts, 460 youths were identified as being at risk for suicide and participated in 1 of 3 conditions randomly assigned by school: (1) Counselors CARE (C-CARE) (n = 150), a brief one-to-one assessment and crisis intervention; (2) Coping and Support Training (CAST) (n = 155), a small-group skills-building and social support intervention delivered with C-CARE; and (3) usual-care control (n = 155). Survey instruments were administered pre-intervention, following C-CARE (4 weeks), following CAST (10 weeks), and at a 9-month follow-up. RESULTS: Growth curve analyses showed significant rates of decline in attitude toward suicide and suicidal ideation associated with the experimental interventions. C-CARE and CAST, compared with usual care, also were effective in reducing depression and hopelessness. Among females, reductions in anxiety and anger were greater in response to the experimental programs. CAST was most effective in enhancing and sustaining personal control and problem-solving coping for males and females. CONCLUSIONS: School-based, indicated prevention approaches are feasible and effective for reducing suicidal behaviors and related emotional distress and for enhancing protective factors.

Language: en