Evaluation of a Suicide Prevention Program Encompassing Both Student and Teacher Training Components

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Education

Background:

• Suicide prevention programs impact knowledge and attitudes, but effects on behavior are less understood.
• Focus on enhancing practical and communication skills for school staff in suicide intervention.
• Need to evaluate behavioral outcomes of school-based suicide prevention initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of suicide prevention training on school staff and students.
• To determine if combined interventions are more effective than individual ones.
• To improve practical skills and communication in suicide prevention within schools.

Main Methods:

• Conducted suicide prevention workshops for students (grades 8-10) and gatekeeper training for school staff.
• Utilized a randomized controlled trial design with four groups: staff training, student training, combined training, and waitlist control.
• Involved 12 secondary schools in Germany with 200 students and 150 staff participants.

Main Results:

• Trained school staff demonstrated enhanced knowledge, self-efficacy, and counseling skills, leading to increased student interactions.
• Students in combined or staff-only trained conditions were more likely to help peers.
• No significant increase in students seeking help directly, but improved peer support was observed.

Conclusions:

• Combined suicide prevention programs for school staff and students show the greatest effectiveness.
• Gatekeeper training for school staff significantly improves their ability to support students.
• School-based interventions can foster peer support networks, contributing to suicide prevention efforts.