Implementing Learn

Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Training for High School Students, Parents, and School Personnel

Bibliographic Data

ID21354499
AuthorsElaine Walsh (0000-0003-4652-1269, University of Washington School of Nursing, Box 357263 Seattle 98195 WA, corresponding author), Zoe Tapp (0009-0002-2549-0264, University of Washington School of Social Work, Box 354900 Seattle 98195‐4900 WA), Emma Mallonee (0009-0009-6986-0731, University of Washington School of Social Work, Box 354900 Seattle 98195‐4900 WA), Camille Hakansson (Oregon Department of Human Services), Ambyr Leigh (Comagine Health, 10700 Meridian Ave. N., Suite 300 Seattle 98133 WA), Megan Reibel (University of Washington School of Social Work, Box 354900 Seattle 98195‐4900 WA)
Year2024
Volume94
Issue11
Pages1040-1048
Publication date2024-11-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of School Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-4391 • E-ISSN: 1746-1561
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/josh.13516
PMID39449297
OpenAlexW4403777095
LanguageEN
References cited19

BACKGROUND: Adolescent suicide is a public health issue, and school is an ideal setting for prevention activities. LEARN is a peer-led gatekeeper training for high school personnel, parents, and students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of LEARN as a gatekeeper training. METHODS: Paired t tests were used to compare pre- and post-training surveys for 4983 LEARN participants. RESULTS: Participants reported an increased likelihood of engaging in each LEARN step: looking for signs, empathizing and listening, asking about suicide thoughts and plans, reducing danger, and connecting the person with help. Most participants were highly satisfied with the peer trainer's delivery of content. CONCLUSIONS: LEARN gatekeeper training was successfully implemented in high schools with students, parents, and school personnel. All groups reported increases in likelihood of approaching and providing support and connections for at-risk individuals and rated the trainer as effective, indicating satisfaction with the peer-led training format.

Active listening · Injury prevention · Medical education · Medical emergency · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Suicide prevention · Trainer · Applied Psychology · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Mental Health via Writing · Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

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