Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict College Students' Intention to Intervene With a Suicidal Individual.
BACKGROUND
Suicide among college students is an issue of serious concern. College peers may effectively intervene with at-risk persons due to their regular contact and close personal relationships with others in this population of significantly enhanced risk.


OBJECTIVE
The current study was designed to investigate whether the theory of planned behavior constructs predicted intention to intervene when a college peer is suicidal.


METHODS
Undergraduate students (n = 367) completed an on-line questionnaire; they answered questions about their attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control regarding suicide and suicide intervention, as well as their intention to intervene when someone is suicidal. The data were analyzed using multiple regression.


RESULTS
The statistical significance of this cross-sectional study indicates that the theory of planned behavior constructs predicts self-reported intention to intervene with a suicidal individual.


CONCLUSIONS
Theory of planned behavior is an effective framework for understanding peers' intention to intervene with a suicidal individual.
1 Department of Communication Studies, Indiana University East, Richmond, IN, USA.
Rosalie S
RS
Aldrich
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012044:Regression Analysis; D020377:Self Efficacy; D066262:Social Norms; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
college students; intervention; suicide; theory of planned behavior