Family network satisfaction moderates treatment effects among homeless youth experiencing suicidal ideation

Abstract

Objective.-Limited research has evaluated the efficacy of suicide prevention interventions among homeless youth, especially considering how their connectedness with their family would impact treatment outcomes.Method.-Suicidal homeless youth (N = 150) between the ages of 18 to 24 years were recruited from a local drop-in center. Youth were randomly assigned to Cognitive Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CTSP) + Treatment as Usual (TAU) or Treatment as Usual alone. Youth reported their family network satisfaction at the baseline assessment, whereas their suicidal ideation, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were assessed at baseline and three additional times during a nine-month period.Results.-A multiple-group autoregressive cross-lagged model suggests that CTSP was associated with lower suicidal ideation and lower thwarted belongingness only among those with high family network satisfaction. Among both groups, perceived burdensomeness predicted higher suicidal ideation, which in turn predicted lower perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Additionally, only among youth with low family network satisfaction, thwarted belongingness predicted lower suicidal ideation.

Scoping Review: Suicide Specific Intervention Programmes for People Experiencing Homelessness

“…Three studies are reported in representing four papers ( Table 2 ). Slesnick et al [ 16 ] and Wu et al [ 36 ] are geographically located in the US and report outcomes following a randomized controlled trial. Lynn et al [ 37 ] study was also located in the US, and Adams et al [ 38 ] was based in Ireland.…”

“…Lynn et al [ 37 ] study was also located in the US, and Adams et al [ 38 ] was based in Ireland. The study populations consist of adult participants and staff members [ 38 ], adolescents and their parents [ 37 ] and young adults aged 18 to 24 years [ 16 , 36 ]. All studies report randomized controlled trial methods, except for Adams et al [ 38 ] reporting a mixed-methods study ( Table 2 ).…”

“…The identified studies addressed suicidal ideation and behaviors in adolescents as well as in adults, encompassing youths aged 11 to 14-year-olds [ 36 ], young adults aged 18 to 24 years [ 16 , 37 ], and adults above the age of 18 [ 38 ]. Previous suicide attempts were reported in two of the studies.…”

“…Lynn et al [ 37 ] included (1) a family-focused programme intervention completed over eight sessions of 16 h duration, and (2) a health education programme comprising three sessions of two-hour duration. The study intervention of Slesnick et al [ 16 ] and Wu et al [ 36 ] was a cognitive therapy for suicide prevention programme (10 sessions × 50 min) with a further option of attending nine subsequent sessions. Follow up of participants in this study was at three monthly intervals up to nine months post-intervention.…”

Housing First Combined with Suicide Treatment Education and Prevention (HOME + STEP): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…A recently completed trial of CTSP builds the evidence-base for adaptations of effective interventions that can be delivered to address suicide risk among homeless youth. Among 18–24 year old homeless youth with suicidal ideation at high risk for suicide ( n = 150), suicidal ideation declined faster among youth randomized to CTSP relative to those in usual care [ 22 , 23 ]. Importantly, the trial of CTSP among homeless youth demonstrated effectiveness and was delivered at a homeless youth drop-in center by the center’s staff therapists.…”