A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Alliance Project Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention

Abstract

Gatekeeper trainings are an approach intended to increase help seeking for suicide prevention. However, little is known of gatekeeper training’s function in increasing gatekeeper intent to intervene with those in distress. The current study utilized the theory of planned behavior as a guide to predict gatekeeper’s intention to intervene over a six-month period in a pilot randomized controlled trial of the Alliance Project gatekeeper training. Results suggested that the Alliance Project, predicted the growth curve of trainees’ intention to intervene better than a control training from pretest through six months. Attitudes toward completing gatekeeper behaviors and perceived behavioral control over gatekeeper behaviors approached significance in a less parsimonious model. These findings suggest the Alliance Project produces changes in gatekeeper’s intent to intervene through three months’ time.

Keywords:

• Alliance project
• gatekeeper
• intent to intervene
• RCT
• theory of planned behavior

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Grant under Grant SM62490.

Notes on contributors

Shane T. W. Kuhlman

Shane T. W. Kuhlman, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.

Phillip N. Smith

Phillip N. Smith, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.

Laura Marie

Laura Marie, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.

Nicholas A. Fadoir

Nicholas A. Fadoir, Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.

Kenneth Hudson

Kenneth Hudson, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA. .