Is evaluative research on youth suicide programs theory-driven? The Canadian experience.
An in-depth review found that only 15 Canadian youth suicide programs had been evaluated over the last decades. Most of these were conducted in schools; general education on suicide was the most common strategy used. The descriptions of the programs were incomplete, and their theoretical bases never presented. All evaluations looked at program effects in accordance with the predominant experimental paradigm in evaluative research. Only two of the programs led to a reduction in suicidal behavior. Future evaluative research should place greater emphasis on the content of programs, especially their theoretical bases.
Breton
Jean-Jacques
JJ
Research Unit, Rivière-des-Prairies Hospital, Université de Montréal, QC, Canada. jj.breton.hrdp@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Boyer
Richard
R
Bilodeau
Henriette
H
Raymond
Sylvaine
S
Joubert
Natacha
N
Nantel
Marie-Andrée
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards*; D006285:Health Planning / Q000592:standards; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010934:Planning Techniques; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention