"A Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Program to Promote Mental Health on a " by Maggie Beshears

Date

1-16-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Gilbert Franco

Keywords

Gatekeeper, Community College, QPR, self-efficacy, long-term counseling, education level

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) model in training college employees to recognize and respond to students at risk of suicide. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether QPR training increases participants’ knowledge of suicide warning signs, enhances their confidence in initiating intervention conversations, and improves their ability to refer students to appropriate mental health resources. This quantitative experimental research combines pre- and post-training assessments with qualitative feedback to measure changes in participants’ understanding and perceived preparedness. Results indicated a significant increase in employees’ confidence and knowledge following the training. The implications of these findings suggest that implementing QPR on college campuses can contribute to more proactive suicide prevention efforts, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for students. This research also offers insights for broader application in mental health practice and community organizations, emphasizing the value of gatekeeper training in promoting early intervention and reducing suicide risk. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Included in

Psychology Commons

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