Evaluating Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training in a College Setting

Abstract

This study assesses short-term and long-term learning outcomes of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training in a college setting. Two hundred seventy-three participants completed pretest, posttest, and follow-up surveys regarding suicide prevention knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Results indicated: (a) increases in suicide prevention knowledge, attitudes, and skills both from the pretest to the posttest and from the pretest to the follow-up test on 8 items (warning signs, how to ask about suicide, influencing help-seeking, how to get help, knowledge of local resources, talking about resources, accompanying person to get help, and calling a crisis line); and (b) short-term increases on 2 items (suicide prevention facts and appropriateness of asking about suicide). Implications for campus-wide suicide prevention efforts are discussed.

Keywords:

• campus suicide prevention
• college student mental health
• QPR

Notes

This article was developed, in part, under grant number SM57851 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). The views, opinions, and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA, or the Department of Health and Human Services and should not be construed as such.