Youth suicide-as the Surgeon General’s 1999 Call For Action affirms-is a major public health problem. Adolescent suicide is a leading cause of death; suicide rates often equal or outnumber homicide rates. Potential school dropouts are at increased risk for co-occurring problem behaviors: depression, suicidal behaviors, drug involvement, and violence. Health disparities emerge in part because these adolescents are typically disenfranchised from school, alienated from traditional health care, and with limited resources. This study tested the efficacy of two innovative, school-based programs for reducing suicide risk and promoting protective factors. Counselors CARE (C-CARE) included risk-assessment followed by intervention to enhance personal and social network resources. Coping And Support Training (CAST) incorporated C-CARE plus selected life-skills training.
The sample included 412 ethnically diverse youth, randomly selected from a pool of potential school dropouts. The 3-group, repeated-measures design included random assignment to condition (C-CARE n=129; CAST, n=144; usual care, n=139). Outcomes were measured pre-intervention, at 4-weeks, at 10-weeks following skills-building intervention, and at 9-months. Measures included suicidal behaviors, depression, hopelessness, anxiety, anger, personal resources (personal control, problem-solving) and social resources. Trend analyses with follow-up tests were conducted.
The feasibility and efficacy of school-based,indicated suicide prevention were demonstrated. Reductions in suicidal behaviors, observed post-intervention, were sustained for all groups at follow-up. Experimental interventions were effective in reducing depression and enhancing problem-solving, personal control, and family support. Gender interactions revealed stronger reductions in hopelessness and anxiety among females. Study limitations, methodology and future research relevant to public health prevention efforts will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Following participation in this session, participants will be able to: 1) Identify three factors fundamental to screening for adolescent suicide risk. 2) Describe components of two preventive programs for reducing suicide risk and promoting personal and social resources. 3) Evaluate five key mental health outcomes reflecting efficacy of the suicide prevention programs
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Suicide
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: NA
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.