A Systematic Review of Evaluated Suicide Prevention Programs Targeting Indigenous Youth

Crisis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 310-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa F. Harlow ◽  
India Bohanna ◽  
Alan Clough
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Program Implementation ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Culturally Appropriate ◽  
Youth Suicide ◽  
Indigenous Youth ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs

Background: Indigenous young people have significantly higher suicide rates than their non-indigenous counterparts. There is a need for culturally appropriate and effective suicide prevention programs for this demographic. Aims: This review assesses suicide prevention programs that have been evaluated for indigenous youth in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. Method: The databases MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for publications on suicide prevention programs targeting indigenous youth that include reports on evaluations and outcomes. Program content, indigenous involvement, evaluation design, program implementation, and outcomes were assessed for each article. Results: The search yielded 229 articles; 90 abstracts were assessed, and 11 articles describing nine programs were reviewed. Two Australian programs and seven American programs were included. Programs were culturally tailored, flexible, and incorporated multiple-levels of prevention. No randomized controlled trials were found, and many programs employed ad hoc evaluations, poor program description, and no process evaluation. Conclusion: Despite culturally appropriate content, the results of the review indicate that more controlled study designs using planned evaluations and valid outcome measures are needed in research on indigenous youth suicide prevention. Such changes may positively influence the future of research on indigenous youth suicide prevention as the outcomes and efficacy will be more reliable.

Adolescent Suicide Myths in the United States

Crisis ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 176-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Ann Moskos ◽  
Jennifer Achilles ◽  
Doug Gray
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Medical Problems ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs

Abstract: In the United States, teen suicide rates tripled over several decades, but have declined slightly since the mid-1990s. Suicide, by its nature, is a complex problem. Many myths have developed about individuals who complete suicide, suicide risk factors, current prevention programs, and the treatment of at-risk youth. The purpose of this article is to address these myths, to separate fact from fiction, and offer recommendations for future suicide prevention programs. Myth #1: Suicide attempters and completers are similar. Myth #2: Current prevention programs work. Myth #3: Teenagers have the highest suicide rate. Myth #4: Suicide is caused by family and social stress. Myth #5: Suicide is not inherited genetically. Myth #6: Teen suicide represents treatment failure. Psychiatric illnesses are often viewed differently from other medical problems. Research should precede any public health effort, so that suicide prevention programs can be designed, implemented, and evaluated appropriately. Too often suicide prevention programs do not use evidence-based research or practice methodologies. More funding is warranted to continue evidence-based studies. We propose that suicide be studied like any medical illness, and that future prevention efforts are evidence-based, with appropriate outcome measures.

Evaluation of School Based Suicide Prevention Programs Effectiveness

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
S. Kutcher
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Youth Suicide ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
School Based ◽  
Suicide Interventions ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs

Youth suicide is a significant public health issue that requires effective evidence based interventions. School based suicide prevention programs are popular in many jurisdictions and there is a perception that they are effective in reducing youth suicide rates. This presentation will apply a comprehensive evaluation framework to determine the effectiveness of school suicide prevention programs as described in the literature and will identify those conceptual and research issues that need to be addressed to develop and deliver effective school based suicide interventions.

Effectiveness of the Surviving the Teens® Suicide Prevention and Depression Awareness Program

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 605-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Strunk ◽  
Keith A. King ◽  
Rebecca A. Vidourek ◽  
Michael T. Sorter
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
School Based ◽  
Awareness Program ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs

Youth suicide is a serious public health issue in the United States. It is currently the third leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 19. School-based prevention programs may be an effective method of educating youth and enhancing their help-seeking. Most school-based suicide prevention programs have not been rigorously evaluated for their effectiveness. This evaluation employs a comparison group to measure whether program group participants differed significantly from comparison group participants on pretest–posttest measures while assessing the immediate impact of the Surviving the Teens® Suicide Prevention and Depression Awareness Program. Findings indicate several positive outcomes in program group students’ suicide and depression knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and behavioral intentions compared with the comparison group. Suicide prevention specialists and prevention planners may benefit from study findings.

The Impact of Universal Suicide-Prevention Programs on the Help-Seeking Attitudes and Behaviors of Youths

Crisis ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie Klimes-Dougan ◽  
David A. Klingbeil ◽  
Sarah J. Meller
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Universal Prevention ◽  
Help Seeking Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs ◽  
The Impact

Background: While the ultimate goal of adolescent suicide-prevention efforts is to decrease the incidence of death by suicide, a critical intermediary goal is directing youths toward effective sources of assistance. Aim: To comprehensively review the universal prevention literature and examine the effects of universal prevention programs on student’s attitudes and behaviors related to help-seeking. Method: We systematically reviewed studies that assessed help-seeking outcomes including prevention efforts utilizing (1) psychoeducational curricula, (2) gatekeeper training, and (3) public service messaging directed at youths. Of the studies reviewed, 17 studies evaluated the help-seeking outcomes. These studies were identified through a range of sources (e.g., searching online databases, examining references of published articles on suicide prevention). Results: The results of this review suggest that suicide-prevention programming has a limited impact on help-seeking behavior. Although there was some evidence that suicide-prevention programs had a positive impact on students’ help-seeking attitudes and behaviors, there was also evidence of no effects or iatrogenic effects. Sex and risk status were moderators of program effects on students help-seeking. Conclusions: Caution is warranted when considering which suicidal prevention interventions best optimize the intended goals. The impact on adolescents’ help-seeking behavior is a key concern for educators and mental-health professionals.

Perceptions of a Peer Suicide Prevention Program by Inmates and Professionals Working in Prisons

Crisis ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Auzoult ◽  
Sid Abdellaoui
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Penal Institutions ◽  
Peer Suicide ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs ◽  
Methods Of Suicide

Background: Suicide prevention is a major challenge for penal institutions in many countries. The traditional approach relies on the expertise of health professionals and is supplemented by the intervention of other professionals and the inmates themselves. New methods of suicide prevention based on peer support have been developed in recent years. Peer prevention programs rely on the ability of inmates to identify suicide risk. Aims: This study examines perceived suicide risk among inmates and explores possible explanations. Method: 54 inmates and 17 professionals working in prisons responded to a questionnaire. Results: The peer prevention program was found to change inmates’ expectations of support in the event of a suicide crisis. The study also found that the inmates involved in the program tended to underestimate the risk of suicide. The perception of the prevention program and the level of self-consciousness were found to account for the underestimation of suicide risk. Conclusions: Support for inmates involved in suicide prevention programs must take into account their isolation in prison. The training provided to inmates must also consider the biases affecting the assessment of risk.

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