Date of Award

2018

Embargo Period

8-1-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Kenneth J. Ruggiero

Second Advisor

Carolyn Jenkins

Third Advisor

Dorian A. Lamis

Fourth Advisor

Janet York

Abstract

This five-chapter dissertation compendium first introduces readers to the prevalence and impact of youth suicide, while also introducing readers to the important role gatekeepers can play in the prevention of youth suicide. Chapter one also describes the role of school personnel as gatekeepers who can be trained to address youth suicide prevention. Chapter two highlights technology-oriented suicide prevention interventions available to adolescents and adolescent gatekeepers. The efficacy and reach of these interventions, and the location and quality of supporting research evidence is explored and discussed. Chapter three describes federal and state guidelines regarding the training of school personnel as gatekeepers, and describes available evidence-based training programs included in the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. Given that there is variability in state-level policies and practices, five important gatekeeper training and policy considerations are discussed in relation to training duration, training frequency, training content, application of skills, and inclusion of technology. Chapter four further explores two technology-driven gatekeeper training programs in a side by side content analysis and head to head comparison with a sample of school personnel gatekeepers. Additional training considerations are also provided, with respect to online instructional quality, adult learning theory, social learning theory, behavioral rehearsal role-play practice, and strategic online classroom design, building upon the considerations outlined in chapter three. Chapter five addresses the importance of prioritizing technology-oriented gatekeeper training among school personnel, given the need for multifaceted solutions to youth suicide prevention. The dissertation compendium’s contribution to science and potential limitations and lessons learned are then discussed. Finally, the appendices outline supporting dissertation research study activities and other immediately relevant research documents. This dissertation compendium and dissertation research is timely, given the need for novel and scalable solutions to youth suicide prevention and present research gaps. The efficacy of technology-oriented adolescent and adolescent gatekeeper programs is outlined in chapter two, the efficacy of federal and state gatekeeper policies and training practices are outlined in chapter three, and chapter four further explores two online gatekeeper training programs in a school personnel sample while also connecting additional relevant training considerations. Together, these combined efforts permit exploration of important training and policy considerations across several levels. If school personnel are to assume their important role as gatekeepers, researchers have a duty to develop, rigorously evaluate, disseminate, and inform policies that maximize impact. Consequently, exploring program efficacy, federal and state policies, and school personnel training experiences and learning preferences is timely, relevant, and important. Data from this dissertation have potential to inform larger trials of training that may properly evaluate long-term effects on the population prevalence of youth suicidal behavior and contribute to training and policy level initiatives. The ultimate goal of this work is to ensure the dissemination and widespread use of high quality programs that effectively combat this critical public health problem.

Rights

All rights reserved. Copyright is held by the author.

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