Suicide Gatekeeper Trainings: A Content Analysis
Open Access
- Author:
- Gerthe, Jessica
- Graduate Program:
- Counselor Education
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- May 15, 2024
- Committee Members:
- Elizabeth Prosek, Professor in Charge/Director of Graduate Studies
Kenneth Levy, Outside Unit Member
Brian Belland, Outside Field Member
Elizabeth Prosek, Chair & Dissertation Advisor
Kristen Nadermann, Major Field Member - Keywords:
- suicide
gatekeeper training
suicide prevention
suicide intervention
content analysis
suicide gatekeeper - Abstract:
- This study examines the efficacy and components of suicide gatekeeper trainings through a qualitative content analysis. The researcher addressed critical gaps in the existing literature concerning trainee demographics, knowledge improvement, self-efficacy, and training components. Employing a deductive approach as suggested by Krippendorff (2019), the study synthesizes findings across varied training modalities and providers assessing their impact on enhancing trainee knowledge and self-efficacy in suicide prevention and intervention. Results indicate that such trainings consistently improve knowledge and self-efficacy across diverse professional groups. The research also uncovers substantial methodological inconsistencies in current studies, particularly in the reporting of trainee demographics and training components. These inconsistencies hinder effective comparison and evaluation of training outcomes, emphasizing the necessity for standardized metrics and detailed, transparent reporting to enhance replicability and facilitate meta-analyses. This study contributes to the field by offering a comprehensive critique of existing literature, highlighting the effectiveness of gatekeeper trainings while identifying areas for methodological improvement to better ascertain their real-world impact on suicide prevention.