Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Suicide attempt survivors are at higher risk for subsequent suicide attempts and may
struggle to find supportive confidants for discussing suicidality. Overt stigmatizing reactions,
fear of stigma, internalized stigma, or perceived futility interfere with help-seeking for
suicidality. However, disclosure of suicidality can enhance support networks, provide
opportunity for self-reflection, and challenge stigma. A peer-led strategic disclosure intervention
(The 2Share Program) was developed through a collaborative process with suicide attempt
survivors and aids participants in evaluating the benefits and risks of disclosure, considering
ways to disclose, and developing disclosure scripts. A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT)
with community-dwelling attempt survivors (n=38) found that intervention participants had
significant decreases on internalized stigma, depression, and increased self-esteem as compared
with the control group; however, this study was small and did not evaluate changes in current
suicidality, help-seeking behavior, or disclosure outcomes over time.
The aim of the proposed research is to conduct a larger-scale RCT (n=100) of the 2Share
program for recent (<3 years) suicide attempt survivors, with one-month follow-up. Outcome
measures will include internalized stigma, depression, self-esteem, suicidality,
secrecy/disclosure, disclosure-related confidence, and help-seeking. We expect that results will
replicate previous findings on internalized stigma, depression, and self-esteem, and that
intervention participants will have reductions in suicidality, increases in help-seeking attitudes,
and increased disclosure/ disclosure confidence. The intervention will be co-facilitated by two
trained individuals with lived experiences of suicidality (peers) but who are at least three years
into recovery. Participants will be recruited in cohorts of 20 (10 intervention; 10 control).
Following random assignment to condition (intervention versus control), participants will
complete electronic baseline questionnaires, including demographic questionnaires and outcome
measures. Intervention participants will complete the program in three 2-hour sessions
(conducted weekly). All participants will complete the electronic post-questionnaire three weeks
after the baseline questionnaire, and again at one-month post-intervention (7 weeks after
baseline).
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 10/1/20 → 9/30/22 |
Funding
- Illinois Institute of Technology: $10,000.00
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