Exploring Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Interventions for Schools

A Scoping Review

Bibliographic Data

ID21376483
AuthorsLena Rossen Østergaard (0000-0003-1900-2500, Centre for Suicide Research Odense Denmark, corresponding author), Sally Wulff Jørgensen (Centre for Suicide Research Odense Denmark), Lotus Sofie Bast (0000-0003-0310-5871, National Institute of Public Health University of Southern Denmark Copenhagen K Denmark), Rory C O''Connor (0000-0002-3650-4994, Suicidal Behaviour Research Lab, School of Health & Wellbeing University of Glasgow Glasgow Scotland), Rory C O'Connor (University of Glasgow), Erik Christiansen (0000-0003-3562-9506, Centre for Suicide Research Odense Denmark)
Year2026
Volume63
Issue7
Pages1173-1198
Publication date2026-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychology in the Schools (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0033-3085 • E-ISSN: 1520-6807
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/pits.70156
OpenAlexW7151395257
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited78

Background Among teenagers and young adults, suicide represents a significant public health challenge. Schools are critical for suicide prevention due to the significant time adolescents spend there. Gatekeeper training (GKT) has shown promise in increasing awareness and knowledge, but its implementation‐relevant characteristics and contextual fit in school settings require further investigation. Aim The aim of this review was to describe the programs, identify essential functions, implementation challenges and reported outcomes for gatekeeper training interventions for teaching staff implemented in schools, providing a comprehensive overview. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) was followed. To structure extraction of intervention characteristics, we applied the Usable Innovation Framework, and to interpret reported outcomes we drew on the behavioral science framework COM‐B model, which conceptualizes behavior as shaped by capability, opportunity, and motivation. Results This scoping review examined 39 articles (describing 37 studies) on suicide prevention gatekeeper interventions in schools for adolescents aged 10–25. Seven categories of GKT were identified. The review found that while GKT generally increased knowledge, its impact on actual intervention behavior varied. Time constraints and resource limitations were significant barriers to implementation. Conclusion Gatekeeper training was consistently associated with improvements in staff capability and motivation, though findings should be interpreted cautiously. To enhance real‐world impact, future research should standardize outcome measures, address contextual barriers, and employ rigorous designs with embedded process evaluations to strengthen sustainability.

Injury prevention · Intervention (counseling) · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Psychological intervention · Public health · Suicide prevention · Gun Ownership and Violence Research · Health Policy Implementation Science · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies