No-suicide contracts among college students

his study evaluates the use of 3 no-suicide contracts that differed in leng th from 1 to 9 sentences, and in specificity from indicating that clients w ill talk to a friend or therapist to a clear outline of persons and interve ntions to be used if they feel suicidal. Of the sample of 112 college stude nts, 40% admitted to suicidal ideation and 54% reported some form of previo us counseling. Students read all 3 contracts and rated them on how well the y helped stop suicidal thoughts, communicated that the therapist cared, str engthened resistance to suicide, lessened depression, gave hope, encouraged cooperation with therapy and empowered, and how much they were complicated , short, or unrealistic. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, history of counse ling, or prior suicidal ideation, students rated the more detailed contract best overall. Although other groups may respond differently, for college s tudents, a specific, detailed no-suicide contract is best.