Date of Award

Spring 3-1-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Applied Clinical and Educational Studies

First Advisor

Alyce M. Hopple

Abstract

Suicide is a profound public health problem across the United States that has lasting effects on individuals, families, and their communities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d.b). Suicide affects all ages and is a serious concern across the life span. However, rates of suicidality are higher among youth. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death among people 55 to 64 years of age, the fourth leading cause of death for people 35 to 54 years of age, and the second leading cause of death for people 10 to 34 years of age (CDC, n.d.a). Recently, more attention has been placed on schools as ideal venues for large-scale prevention initiatives. The school setting often offers an important role in suicide prevention efforts, especially in the most vulnerable population of youth and young adults. Teachers are in a strong position within schools to contribute to the prevention of youth suicide and are the primary audience for gatekeeper training. Findings from gatekeeper suicide prevention programs suggest that effects diminish over time and strategies to sustain the knowledge are needed (Shtivelband, et al., 2015). Additionally, there is limited information pertaining to teachers’ reactions to suicide prevention programs, gatekeeper self-efficacy to carry out the knowledge, and opinions on the training requirements, format, and frequency. The current study will investigate teacher preferences for retraining to support maintenance of suicide knowledge and skills. Specifically, this study will explore teacher perceptions on suicide prevention refresher training practices and their self-efficacy related to the use of prevention knowledge. This study will explore the format and frequency of training that may influence sustainable strategies and more effective trainings. Exploring teacher preference will promote more effective school-based suicide prevention programs and contribute to the reduction of adolescence suicidality.

Download

Share

COinS