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.