Suicidal and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among College Freshmen: Forecasting the Utility of a New Prevention Tool

摘要

Purpose: We evaluated the utility and acceptability of an informational magnet to prevent college student suicide by raising awareness of warning signs and counseling services. Methods: A total of 708 (97%) of 729 entering freshmen at a public university completed a survey of suicidal behavior, help-seeking, and willingness to use a magnet inscribed with suicide warning signs and 2 prevention services to call for support. Results: Twenty-two percent reported they or someone they knew seriously considered or attempted suicide in the last 6 months; 59% were likely to visibly display the magnet; and 63% would call the listed services if someone they knew was depressed or had suicidal thoughts. When provided scenarios of a friend with a given suicide warning sign, students expressed a clear hierarchy of alarm. Conclusions: A majority of students were willing to use a magnet displaying suicide warning signs and prevention services, and to apply this information to assist a suicidal peer.