The Zuni Life Skills Development Curriculum: Description and Evaluation of a Suicide Prevention Program

In collaboration with the Zuni pueblo, a culturally tailored intervention program was designed using a model of social cognitive development to remediate the behavioural & cognitive correlates of suicide. The Zuni Life Skills Development curriculum was introduced in the tribal high school & evaluated using a multimethod approach including self-report, behavioural observation, & peer rating. Students exposed to the curriculum scored better than the no-intervention group at posttest on suicide probability & hopelessness. In addition, the intervention group showed greater ability to perform problem-solving & suicide intervention skills in a behaviour assessment. The effectiveness of the program & recommendations for similar prevention programs are discussed. (36 refs.)