Mental Health CPR: Peer Contracting as a Response to Potential Suicide in Adolescents

Almost 400 high school students were given a survey about their experiences with suicide. Students were unlikely to initiate contact with a counsellor but over half said they would probably tell a friend. Training in no-harm agreements was given to half the students. After training, these students were significantly more likely to recognize symptoms of suicide & to intervene appropriately, an effect still present 7 weeks later. Questions about the safety of this method need further study.