How Confident do High School Counselors Feel in Recognizing Students at Risk for Suicide?

A survey was completed by a random sample of 186 American high school counsellors. Most counsellors believed that it was their role to recognize students at risk of suicide & that if they did, it would reduce student suicides. However, only 1 in 3 believed they could recognize a student at risk. Demographic characteristics of high school counselors, and data on their experience and ability to effectively intervene in an adolescent suicide, and inservice education opportunities are included. High efficacy-expectations scores were significantly associated with working at a high school with a crisis intervention team. Results suggest counsellors need more training to develop necessary skills.