Evaluation of a Peer-Led Implementation of a Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Program for College Students

Abstract

Abstract. Background: Research on models of implementation that enable widespread dissemination of suicide prevention to young adults is needed to address the critical public health issue of suicide among young adults. A peer-to-peer implementation approach may increase widespread dissemination of suicide prevention on college campuses. Aims: The current study involved the evaluation of a peer-led implementation of the evidence-based program Question, Persuade, and Refer Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention (QPR). Method: A total of 161 college students attended one of eight QPR implementations conducted by student peer educators certified as QPR trainers. Questionnaires were administered at pretest and posttest to assess knowledge of suicide, likelihood of intervening with someone suicidal, and self-efficacy to intervene with someone suicidal. Results: Results from a series of paired-samples t tests showed significant increases from pretest to posttest on the three outcomes of interest – knowledge of suicide, self-efficacy to intervene with someone suicidal, and likelihood to intervene with someone suicidal. Limitations: The short time frame of the current study is a limitation. Conclusion: Support for a peer-led model of implementation for college students has critical implications in terms of increasing the capacity for widespread dissemination of suicide prevention efforts on college campuses.

Can We Notice the Suicidal Warning Signs of Adolescents With Different Psychometric Profiles Before Their Death?: Analysis of Teachers’ Reports

“… 3 To address the serious mental health issue of suicide among youth, an approach that enables the dissemination and understanding of suicide prevention to youths is needed. 4 …”

One‐year incidence, predictors, and accuracy of prediction of suicidal thoughts and behaviors from the first to second year of university

“…While the specific predictors vary, our prediction rate is consistent with the 84-91% accuracy reported in the Belgian university student population (Mortier et al, 2017) which is the study most comparable to this current study in terms of predicting 1year incidence. In addition, one study of French college students that predicted any future STB rather than incidence (new cases) during a 1-year prediction period, reported 80% accuracy (with prior STB being among the strongest predictors of future STB) (Macalli et al, 2021), and another study of Scottish young adults (not exclusive to university students that also predicted any future STB rather than first incidence during a 1-year prediction period, reported 81-83% accuracy (van Mens et al, 2020) posed for college students, though the evidence so far for their effectiveness in preventing STB is limited (Samuolis et al, 2020;Wolitzky-Taylor et al, 2020). Sleep duration is another modifiable factor that other studies in college students have also found to be associated with STB (Becker et al, 2018;Khader et al, 2020).…”

“…Interventions can foster improving social skills and social support networks. Peer gatekeeper interventions have been proposed for college students, though the evidence so far for their effectiveness in preventing STB is limited (Samuolis et al, 2020; Wolitzky‐Taylor et al, 2020). Sleep duration is another modifiable factor that other studies in college students have also found to be associated with STB (Becker et al, 2018; Khader et al, 2020).…”

Reducing stigma associated with mental health problems among university students in the Asia-Pacific: A video content analysis of student-driven proposals

“…Likewise, Katsumata et al’s (2017) study of a gatekeeper program for Japanese university students also had positive results. Studies in universities in the US have shown that gatekeeper interventions have improved students’ ability to identify suicidal peers and increase their willingness to intervene (Samuolis et al, 2020), as well as increase the number of referrals to mental health specialists, especially among females (Rallis et al, 2018). However, some studies in Australia, US, and Netherlands have demonstrated no increase in help-seeking (Chan et al, 2014; Harrod et al, 2014; Lipson et al, 2020; Rallis et al, 2018; Terpstra et al, 2018).…”