Citation

Zinzow HM, Thompson MP, Fulmer CB, Goree J, Evinger L. Arch. Suicide Res. 2018; ePub(ePub): 1-30.

Affiliation

Clemson University , Clemson , United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2018.1509749

PMID

30118644

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Suicide is the second leading cause of death in college students. While research indicates a positive impact of gatekeeper training programs on knowledge and attitudes, few have examined change in suicide prevention behaviors. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of a brief suicide prevention training for college campuses on knowledge, self-efficacy to intervene, and gatekeeper behaviors.

METHOD: A longitudinal design was employed to examine changes from pretest to post-test and three-month follow-up. Participants included 517 students, staff, and faculty who attended a 90 minute training and completed self-report surveys. The training included both didactic and experiential components.

RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that knowledge, self-efficacy to discuss suicide and to refer to resources, and gatekeeper behavior increased from pretest to post-test and follow-up. Students exhibited a greater increase in gatekeeper behaviors, in comparison to non-students. Large changes were observed on publicizing suicide prevention information and having informal conversations about suicide with students, and 76% had engaged in gatekeeper behavior at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings offer support for the potential efficacy of a brief prevention program, with promising effects on several suicide prevention behaviors. Declines on knowledge and self-efficacy from post-test to follow-up highlight the importance of booster sessions and complementary programing.

Language: en

Keywords

college; gatekeeper; suicide; suicide prevention; training