Suicide Prevention With Adolescents: Considering Potential Benefits and Untoward Effects of Public Service Announcements

This study investigated possible benefits & untoward effects of suicide prevention public service announcements for adolescents. 426 Minnesota adolescents were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a billboad simulation; a 30-second television ad simulation; & a no information condition. Results suggests some benefits for the information conveyed by the television ad. Few benefits were noted for adolescents exposed to the billboard simulation & results raised substantial concerns about untoward effects, particularly in adolescents who were exhibiting depressive or suicidal symptoms. Billboard viewers were less likely to favour help-seeking attitudes, perceived public service announcements as being less useful, & endorsed more maladaptive coping. More research is needed. (30 refs.)