Preliminary Effects of Brief School-Based Prevention Approaches for Reducing Youth SuicideRisk Behaviors, Depression, and Drug Involvement

• NCJ Number: 253615
• Journal: Journal of child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: 2002 Pages: 48-64
• Author(s): Leona L. Eggert; Elaine A. Thompson; Brooke P. Randell; Kenneth C. Pike
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Program/Project Evaluation; Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: CrimeSolutions Program ID #201

Annotation

Since there are few empirically tested, school-based, suicide-prevention programs, the current study evaluated the post-intervention efficacy of Counselors-CARE (C-CAST) and Coping and Support Training (CAST) compared with "usual care" controls for reducing suicide risk.

Abstract

This randomized prevention trial involved 341 potential school dropouts, 14 to 19 years old, attending seven high schools (52 percent female, 56 percent minorities). Trend analyses used data from three time points to assess program effects. The evaluation found that for all program participants, significant decreases occurred in suicide-risk behaviors, depression, and drug involvement. The overall conclusion of the evaluation is that school-based suicide prevention approaches are feasible and show promise for reducing student suicidal behaviors and related depression. (publisher abstract modified)