Mental health CPR: Peer contracting as a response to potential suicide in adolescents

Abstract

Contracting has been used as a response to individuals at risk of suicide for over thirty years. In the present study almost 400 high school students were given a survey about their experiences with suicide. It found that they were unlikely to initiate contact with traditional counselors during a suicidal crisis, but over half of them admitted they would probably tell a friend. Training in “No harm agreements”, a form of peer contracting, was given to half the students. After training, these experimental subjects were significantly more likely than control subjects to recognize symptoms of suicide, to intervene appropriately, and to arrange for professional follow-up. They were also less likely to consider suicide an acceptable option. Greater recognition of two suicidal symptoms and increased likelihood of getting a promise not to commit suicide without talking with a counselor or minister were still present in the experimental group at seven weeks after the training. Responses about questions of safety with this method were promising but still need further attention.

Key Words:

• adolescence
• curriculum
• programs
• no harm agreements
• peer contracting
• suicide