Journal article
Evaluating the Longitudinal Efficacy of SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training in a General Community Sample
Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, Vol.51(5), pp.844-853
2021
PMID: 33594707
Abstract
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 InstituteAmanda Clacy (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteDaniel F Hermens (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteJim 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.
- DOI
- 10.1111/sltb.12741
- ISSN
- 1943-278X
- PMID
- 33594707
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society; Thompson Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99511208102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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65 Record Views
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychiatry
- Psychology, Multidisciplinary
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Source: InCites