Project SOAR: a training program to increase school counselors' knowledge and confidence regarding suicide prevention...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Education
• Public Health

Background:

• School counselors are pivotal in implementing suicide prevention programs within educational settings.
• Project SOAR (Suicide, Options, Awareness, and Relief) provides essential suicide prevention training to all school counselors in Dallas, Texas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Dallas school counselors' understanding of suicidal risk factors.
• To assess counselors' perceived competence in managing suicidal students.
• To compare Dallas counselors' confidence levels with national benchmarks.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 186 Dallas school counselors (75% response rate).
• The survey assessed knowledge of suicidal risk factors and intervention strategies.
• Data were collected from counselors attending a mandatory meeting in spring 1999.

Main Results:

• The majority of counselors expressed high confidence in identifying suicidal warning signs and assessing suicide risk.
• Most counselors reported knowing the correct intervention steps for high-risk suicidal students.
• Compared to national averages, Dallas counselors reported greater confidence in identifying students at risk for suicide.

Conclusions:

• Dallas school counselors exhibit a high level of confidence and knowledge in suicide prevention.
• Project SOAR training appears effective in equipping counselors to address student suicide risk.
• Findings suggest successful implementation of suicide prevention training in Dallas schools.