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New Research: School-Based Suicide Prevention |
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School-Based Suicide Prevention with African American Youth in an Urban Setting
A recent research study found that early detection of risk factors for mental illness through universal screening can lead to earlier treatment, thwarting of a suicidal crisis. The article, published in the April 2009 issue of the American Psychological Association’s Professional Psychology: Research and Practice journal, examined results from a mental health screening program with African-American youth in an urban setting.
Researchers examined the use of TeenScreen screening tools in 13 middle and high schools in Washington, D.C. The study’s findings have implications for conducting screening in similar urban settings. The article also includes a discussion on how psychologists can engage in screening.
Study Summary:
Youth in urban settings are at significant risk for suicide and other mental health issues, but little is known about the utility or outcomes of suicide prevention programs with this population. This article reviews the outcomes of a grant-funded initiative to provide suicide screening to urban, African American youth. The TeenScreen Schools and Communities Program was implemented at 13 middle and high schools in Washington, DC, to 229 African American students. Students were screened for current suicide ideation, previous suicide attempts, and symptoms of depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Sixty-two percent of the youth who screened positive and were confirmed to be at risk through a second stage assessment conducted by a mental health professional were linked to a mental health service provider within one month, and 70 percent were linked within six months. Early detection of risk factors through universal screening can lead to earlier treatment, thwarting a suicidal crisis. Implications for conducting screening in an urban setting and how psychologists can engage in screening are explored.
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