Immediate post intervention effects of two brief youth suicide prevention interventions

This study evaluated the immediate postintervention effects of two brief suicide prevention protocols: a brief interview--Counselors CARE (C-CARE)--and C-CARE plus a 12-session Coping and Support Training (CAST) peer-group intervention. Subjects were students "at risk" of high school dropout and suicide potential in Grades 9-12 from seven high schools (N = 341). Students were assigned randomly to C-CARE plus CAST, C-CARE only, or "intervention as usual." The predicted patterns of change were assessed using trend analyses on data available from three repeated measures. C-CARE and CAST led to increases in personal control, problem-solving coping, and perceived family support. Both C-CARE plus CAST and C-CARE only led to decreases in depression, and to enhanced self-esteem and family goals met. All three groups showed equivalent decreases in suicide risk behaviors, anger control problems, and family distress.