Preventing Adolescent Suicide: Feasibility and Preliminary Outcome Evaluation of a Theatre-Based Gatekeeper Training for Teachers

Chiara Davico, Federica Graziano (), Alessandra Rossi Ghiglione, Federico Amianto, Tatiana Begotti, Emanuela Calandri, Giorgia Copetto, Francesca Di Franco, Elena Lonardelli, Daniele Marcotulli, Linda Olcuire, Federica Ricci and Benedetto Vitiello
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Chiara Davico: Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Federica Graziano: Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Alessandra Rossi Ghiglione: Department of Humanities, Social Community Theatre Centre, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
Federico Amianto: Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Tatiana Begotti: Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
Emanuela Calandri: Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
Giorgia Copetto: Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
Francesca Di Franco: Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Elena Lonardelli: Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Daniele Marcotulli: Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Linda Olcuire: Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Federica Ricci: Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Benedetto Vitiello: Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: Improving teachers’ knowledge and skills in dealing with adolescent suicidality may be important for prevention. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a theatre-based gatekeeper teacher training for adolescent suicide prevention (SPES project). Self-reported changes in knowledge and self-efficacy were also investigated. Based on a quasi-experimental repeated measures design, secondary schools were invited to participate in one of two intervention groups (theatre workshop or attending a theatre performance) or a control group (no intervention). Assessments were conducted prior to the intervention, shortly following it and 3 months later. Attendance and retention were indicators of feasibility. Knowledge and self-efficacy were assessed longitudinally using anonymous questionnaires. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. 191 teachers (84.3% women; Mage = 46.8, SD = 9.8) participated in the study (63 workshop, 66 performance and 62 control group). Attendance was 92% in the workshop group and 94% in the performance group. The retention rate after three months was 51% in the workshop group and 53% in the performance group. Teachers in both groups reported greater knowledge of adolescent suicide ( p < 0.001) and higher gatekeeper self-efficacy ( p < 0.05) than the control group. The SPES project was found to be feasible and acceptable. Both the workshop and the performance viewing may improve teachers’ knowledge and self-efficacy in recognizing signs of suicide risk in adolescents.

Keywords: suicide; prevention; gatekeepers; teachers; performing arts; theatre (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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