@article{ref1,
title="Evaluating the longitudinal efficacy of SafeTALK suicide prevention gatekeeper training in a general community sample",
journal="Suicide and life-threatening behavior",
year="2021",
author="Holmes, Glenn and Clacy, Amanda and Hermens, Daniel F. and Lagopoulos, Jim",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: The majority of individuals experiencing depression or in crisis do not seek assistance through formal support pathways. Thus, the presence of informal &quot;gatekeepers&quot; 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 &quot;SafeTALK&quot; suicide prevention gatekeeper training in a general community sample. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0363-0234",
doi="10.1111/sltb.12741",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12741"
}