Citation

Kalafat J, Elias M. Suicide Life Threat. Behav. 1994; 24(3): 224-233.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Spalding University, Louisville, KY 40203.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, American Association of Suicidology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7825195

Abstract

This study employed a self-report questionnaire in a Solomon four-groups design to assess the efficacy of suicide intervention classes in achieving their instructional objectives. Because adolescents are often the first to know of a peer's suicidal thoughts or plans, the goal of the classes was to increase the likelihood that students who come into contact with potentially suicidal peers can more readily identify them and will be consistently inclined to take responsible action on their behalf. Students who participated in the classes as compared to controls showed significant gains in relevant knowledge about suicidal peers and significantly more positive attitudes toward help seeking and intervening with troubled peers. Results of this study will be used to strengthen components of the lessons aimed at enhancing the likelihood of performance of responsible interventions.