Text Messaging to Extend School-Based Suicide Prevention
Author Information
Author(s): Torous John, Lopez-Castroman Jorge, Selak Špela, Pisani Anthony R, Wyman Peter A, Cero Ian, Kelberman Caroline, Gurditta Kunali, Judd Emily, Schmeelk-Cone Karen, Mohr David, Goldston David, Ertefaie Ashkan
Primary Institution: University of Rochester Medical Center
Hypothesis
Does the Text4Strength program of automated text messages impact suicidal behavior among high school students?
Conclusion
The study found that Text4Strength is unlikely to have impacted the outcomes of interest, and any undetected effects are likely small.
Supporting Evidence
- Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among US adolescents aged 10-19 years.
- About 10% of adolescents attempt suicide each year.
- Text4Strength was designed to reach students who are less engaged with their peers.
Takeaway
The study tried to help students by sending them supportive text messages, but it didn't really work as hoped.
Methodology
Students received 1-2 text messages per week for 9 weeks, targeting coping strategies and help-seeking behaviors, with surveys administered at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months after.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a single high school already implementing a strong prevention program, which may have made it hard to detect additional effects from texting.
Participant Demographics
{"sex":{"male":100,"female":112},"grade":{"9":88,"10":47,"11":44,"12":40},"ethnicity":{"hispanic":3,"not_hispanic":215},"race":{"white":192,"black":9,"asian":2,"multiracial":11,"other":3}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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