Randomized Trial of Suicide Gatekeeper Training for Social Work Students

Problem: Education and research on social work’s role in preventing client suicide is limited. Method: Seventy advanced master of social work students were randomly assigned to either the training group (Question, Persuade, and Referral suicide gatekeeper training) or the control group. Outcomes measured over time included suicide knowledge, attitudes toward suicide prevention, self-efficacy, and skills. Results and Conclusion: Interaction effects between group assignment and time suggest improvement among the intervention group with regard to knowledge, efficacy to perform the gatekeeper role, and skills. Both groups improved over time for reluctance to engage with clients at risk for suicide, referral, and gatekeeper behaviors. The intervention group reported improved knowledge of resources and perceived preparedness. No changes in attitudes were observed.