Immediate post intervention effects of two brief youth suicide prevention interventions

This study evaluated the immediate postintervention effects of two brief su icide prevention protocols: a brief interview-Counselors CARE (C-CARE)-and C-CARE plus a 12-session Coping and Support Training (CAST) peer-group inte rvention. Subjects were students "at risk" of high school dropout and suici de potential in Grades 9-12 from seven high schools (N = 341). Students wer e assigned randomly to C-CARE plus CAST, C-CARE only, or "intervention as u sual." The predicted patterns of change were assessed using trend analyses on data available from three repeated measures. C-CARE and CAST led to incr eases in personal control, problem-solving coping, and perceived family sup port. Both C-CARE plus CAST and C-CARE only led to decreases in depression, and to enhanced self-esteem and family goals met. All three groups showed equivalent decreases in suicide risk behaviors, anger control problems, and family distress.