ASK A QUESTION. SAFE A LIFE: SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS ON COLLEGE CAMPUS

Year 2015, Volume: 3 , 96 - 101, 01.09.2015

Monika Gutkowska

Abstract

In the United States,
suicide is the second leading cause of death among university students 18-24
year olds.  Approximately 1100 college
students die by suicide each year but only 20% of students reporting suicidal thoughts
receive mental health treatment. Most college students communicate distress to
friends or romantic partners rather than mental health professionals.
Therefore, many universities across the US implement suicide prevention
training as critical part of “safety net” on college campuses.  In March 2012, Northwestern University
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) implemented the QPR (Question,
Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Program followed
shortly by a longitudinal, IRB-approved research project to examine the
effectiveness of these efforts.  90
minute QPR training teaches suicide warning signs, myths and fact about
suicide, how to effectively ask someone if they have suicidal thoughts,
persuade them to get help, and refer them to appropriate resources. Over 2700
Northwestern students, faculty, and staff have completed QPR training to date,
with more than 325 consenting to participate in the study.  Data collected at pre-test, post-test, and
6-month follow-up indicate that overall, participants report being more
accurate in their knowledge of suicide facts and warning signs, and more
confident, willing, and likely to intervene with potentially suicidal persons
after QPR training.  

Keywords

suicide prevention, gatekeeper training, QPR, college students

References

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