Evaluating the Longitudinal Efficacy of SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training in a General Community Sample

Glenn Holmes; Amanda Clacy; Daniel F Hermens; Jim Lagopoulos

doi:10.1111/sltb.12741

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Evaluating the Longitudinal Efficacy of SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training in a General Community Sample

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Evaluating the Longitudinal Efficacy of SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training in a General Community Sample

Glenn Holmes, Amanda Clacy, Daniel F Hermens and Jim Lagopoulos

Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, Vol.51(5), pp.844-853

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12741

PMID: 33594707

Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection

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Abstract

Suicide prevention

Education

Thompson Institute Special Collection

Objective: The majority of individuals experiencing depression or in crisis do not seek assistance through formal support pathways. Thus, the presence of informal “gatekeepers” in the community is vital to identifying and supporting these individuals through crisis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal effectiveness of “SafeTALK” suicide prevention gatekeeper training in a general community sample. Method: Two hundred and sicty‐two community members participated in half‐day (4‐h) gatekeeper training sessions. Surveys were taken pre‐ and post‐training and at 6‐month follow‐up to evaluate participants’ knowledge, preparedness, and efficacy, as well as reluctance to intervene as a suicide prevention gatekeeper. Results: Longitudinal effects were revealed for three of four evaluated appraisals. Scores for knowledge, preparedness, and efficacy were significantly higher (improved) 6 months after training, compared to pre‐test. While participants showed even greater immediate effects (i.e., pre‐test to post‐test), follow‐up scores indicate that the positive effects of training were sustained over 6 months. Conclusions: This study is the first to evaluate SafeTALK in a community population. SafeTALK was shown to be effective at improving knowledge, preparedness, and efficacy with effects declining over time but remaining significant from pre‐test. Community suicide prevention programs can benefit from the inclusion of gatekeeper training programs.

Details

Title: Evaluating the Longitudinal Efficacy of SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training in a General Community Sample
Authors: Glenn Holmes (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Amanda Clacy (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Daniel F Hermens (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Jim Lagopoulos (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Publication details: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, Vol.51(5), pp.844-853
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Date published: 2021
DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12741
ISSN: 1943-278X
PMID: 33594707
Organisation Unit: Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; Thompson Institute; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99511208102621
Output Type: Journal article

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