Adolescent suicide: views of adolescents, parents, and school personnel

The purpose of this study was to survey adolescents, parents, and school personnel to assess knowledge, skill, and program needs in the schools and community in order to prevent adolescent suicide. The subjects were 57 adolescents, 63 parents, and 49 school personnel from three public high schools in a southwestern United States community. A 21-item survey questionnaire was constructed to assess the perceptions of the three groups in relation to their level of knowledge, skill, and resource awareness for assisting a suicidal adolescent. Diversity in knowledge, skill, and resource awareness within the groups, as well as findings unique to each group, were noted. Implications for school-based suicide prevention education programs are discussed.