Suicide Prevention in Social Work Education: How Prepared Are Social Work Students?

Abstract

The prevalence of suicide suggests social workers will encounter clients at risk for suicide, but research shows social workers receive little to no training on suicide and suicide prevention and feel unprepared to work effectively with clients at risk. Baseline results from a randomized intervention study of the Question, Persuade, and Refer suicide prevention gatekeeper training with 73 advanced master’s of social work student interns show suicide knowledge was average, attitudes about suicide prevention were generally neutral, and use of suicide prevention practice skills was low. These results indicate an opportunity for enhancing student outcomes through training and inform social work education regarding necessary preparation for student interns and new graduates to identify and respond effectively to client suicide risk.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Philip J. Osteen

Philip J. Osteen is assistant professor, Jodi M. Jacobson is associate professor, and Tanya L. Sharpe is assistant professor at the University of Maryland.