Data is being collected as part of a school-based SAMHSA-funded suicide prevention project in four urban high schools which represent the wide ethnic and social diversity of the community. As part of this project, 2400 ninth-grade students will complete questionnaires about risk behaviors and about how (or if) they would pursue help from someone else in the context of a number of different kinds of problems. The risk behaviors include sexual practices, drug use and smoking. The problem situations include learning difficulties, depression, fear of violence, sexual problems (STD, pregnancy), eating problems and suicidal feelings. Embedded in these situations are also two scenarios involving suicidal feelings that a student might experience and another involving a student’s concern that a peer might have suicidal feelings. Statistical analyses of the relationship between the response to the risk behavior questions and help-seeking pathways (e.g., no help, help inside the school, help from outside the school, peers, family, family friends, professionals, etc.). Also, sub-group analyses will include the intended pathways for suicidal and withdrawn students—a subgroup about which many planners are especially concerned. This presentation has implications for planners of youth violence and suicide prevention programs.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about the association between reported risk behaviors and help-seeking pathways for high school students when confronted with problem situations including suicidal feelings
Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: The program that is being evaluated is supported by a cooperative agreement from SAMHSA