Citation

Fulginiti A, Hsu HT. Death Stud. 2022; 46(9): 2247-2255.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481187.2021.1922543

PMID

33983869

Abstract

No research has explored the potential of homeless youth to serve as gatekeepers for suicide prevention purposes. This study described and examined associations between gatekeeping beliefs (i.e. preparedness and efficacy), intent-to-intervene, and gatekeeping behaviors (approach/referral behavior). In a sample of 139 homeless youth (aged 14-24), regression analysis was used to characterize associations between gatekeeper beliefs, intent, and behaviors. On average, participants engaged in gatekeeper behaviors with 1-2 people over the past 3 months. Gatekeeping beliefs and intent were positively associated with behaviors. Gatekeeper training that targets these attributes is a promising prevention strategy for homeless youth, but may require population-specific adaptation.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adolescent; Suicide Prevention; Intention; Homeless Youth