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Suicide Prevention Among High School Students: Evaluation of a Nonrandomized Trial of a Multi-stage Suicide Screening Program

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Abstract

Background

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth. Suicide screening programs aim to identify mental health issues and prevent death by suicide.

Objective

The present study evaluated outcomes of a multi-stage screening program implemented over 3 school years in a moderately-sized Midwestern high school.

Methods

One hundred ninety-three 9th-grade students were screened in the program. Students who screened positive were referred to mental health services and followed. Suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among 9th-grade students in the school with screening were compared to those of students in a similar school without screening.

Results

There was a significant increase in utilization of mental health services among students who screened positive and a decrease in rates of suicidal ideation and attempts among 9th-grade students at the school with screening.

Conclusions

This multi-stage screening program shows promise in addressing suicide-related behaviors in schools. Randomized trials are needed to confirm program efficacy.

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Notes

  1. Columbia University no longer operates the TeenScreen program. It is being transitioned to another university who will continue the program.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Sarah Bassing-Sutton, Hannah Episcopo and the Connected Community Wellness Screen Advisory Board for their help, invaluable work, and dedication to preventing youth suicide. Funding was provided by a Grant from the Basic Needs Partnership Fund supported by the U.S. Venture for Basic Needs within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, the J.J. Keller Foundation, Inc., and other community partners.

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Author notes

  1. Gina Torcasso

    Present address: Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Lawrence University, 711 E. Boldt Way, Appleton, WI, 54911, USA

    Gina Torcasso & Lori M. Hilt

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  1. Gina Torcasso
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  2. Lori M. Hilt
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Correspondence to Lori M. Hilt.

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Torcasso, G., Hilt, L.M. Suicide Prevention Among High School Students: Evaluation of a Nonrandomized Trial of a Multi-stage Suicide Screening Program. Child Youth Care Forum 46, 35–49 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-016-9366-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-016-9366-x

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