An Outcome Evaluation of the SOS Suicide Prevention Program

TLDR

The study examined the effectiveness of the Signs of Suicide (SOS) prevention program in reducing suicidal behavior. A randomized trial of 2,100 students in five high schools assigned to intervention or control groups collected self‑administered questionnaires about suicidal behavior and attitudes approximately three months after program implementation. Students in the intervention group had significantly lower suicide attempt rates and greater knowledge and more adaptive attitudes toward depression and suicide, with these modest changes partially explaining the program’s beneficial effects.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined the effectiveness of the Signs of Suicide (SOS) prevention program in reducing suicidal behavior. Methods. Twenty-one hundred students in 5 high schools in Columbus, Ga, and Hartford, Conn, were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by students in both groups approximately 3 months after program implementation. Results. Significantly lower rates of suicide attempts and greater knowledge and more adaptive attitudes about depression and suicide were observed among students in the intervention group. The modest changes in knowledge and attitudes partially explained the beneficial effects of the program. Conclusions. SOS is the first school-based suicide prevention program to demonstrate significant reductions in self-reported suicide attempts.