title: Student recognition of and response to suicidal peers.
abstract: A survey of 1,131 university freshmen revealed that they were able to recognize suicidal behavior in their peers, but were unsure of a helpful response to make to them. A model of self-efficacy, emotional comfort, knowledge of a helpful response, and knowledge of suicidal behavior predicted a student's intention to ask a suicidal peer directly, "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" (R2 = .38). Results of the study suggest that suicide prevention programs for adolescents should include educational experiences such as modeling, skill training, and role playing to increase self-efficacy and emotional comfort in affect-laden situations.
authors.affiliation: East Carolina University.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Ureda
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention