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

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.