Effect of the Surviving the Teens suicide prevention program on help-seeking behaviors among emotionally troubled youth

Many school-based suicide prevention programs do not show a positive impact on help-seeking behaviors among emotionally troubled teens despite their being at high risk for completed suicide. This study is a secondary analysis of the Surviving the TeensRTM program evaluation to determine its effect on help-seeking behaviors among troubled youth. Results showed significant increases in mean scores of the Behavioral Intent to Communicate with Important Others Regarding Emotional Health Issues subscale (n = 47) from pre-test to 3-month follow-up. A significant increase in mean scores of the Behavioral Intent Regarding Help-Seeking Behaviors when Suicidal subscale occurred from pre-test to post-test (n = 63), but not at 3-month follow-up. A significant increase in mean scores in the item "I would tell an adult if I was suicidal" occurred from pre-test to 3-month follow-up. These findings suggest that the Surviving the TeensRTM program has a positive effect on help-seeking behaviors in troubled youth.