Year: 2001 Source: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, v.31, no.1, (Spring 2001), p.41-61 SIEC No: 20010523

This study evaluated the immediate postintervention effects of 2 brief suicide prevention protocols: a brief interview-Counselors CARE (C-CARE) & C-CARE plus a 12-session Coping & Support Training (CAST) peer-group intervention. Subjects were students at risk of high school dropout & suicide potential in Grades 9-12 from 7 high schools. Students were randomly assigned to one of the protocol groups or an “intervention as usual” group. The predicted patterns of change were assessed using trend analyses on data available from 3 repeated measures. C-CARE & CAST led to increases in personal control, problem-solving coping, & perceived family support. Both C-CARE plus CAST & C-CARE only led to decreases in depression, & to enhanced self-esteem & family goals met. All 3 groups showed equivalent decreases in suicide risk behaviours, anger control problems, & family distress. (68 refs.)