Evaluation of Indicated Suicide Risk Prevention Approaches for Potential High School Dropouts

This study evaluated the efficacy of 2 indicated preventative interventions. At risk for suicide youths (n=460) participated in 1 of 3 conditions: 1) Counselors CARE, a brief 1-to-1 assessment & crisis intervention 2) Coping & Support Training (CAST), a small-group skills-building & social support intervention delivered with CARE & 3) usual-care control. Growth curve analysis showed significant rates of decline in attitude toward suicide & suicide ideation associated with the experimental interventions. CAST & CARE were also effective in reducing depression & hopelessness while CAST enhanced & sustained personal control & problem-solving coping. (57 refs.)