It is clear from these data that the SOS suicide prevention program had a substantively important short-term impact on the attitudes and behaviors of high school–aged youths in high-risk settings. By significantly reducing rates of self-reported suicide attempts in the 3 months following exposure to the program, SOS appears to have had a substantial impact on the ultimate target of suicide prevention programs. Efficacy in increasing students’ knowledge of and promoting more adaptive attitudes toward depression and suicide also was demonstrated, and further analysis high-lighted the importance of these variables in potentially accounting for the beneficial effects of the SOS program on self-reported suicide attempts. Although further research is necessary to determine whether the effects of the SOS program are enduring, the short-term impact of this program on students’ attitudes and behaviors was noteworthy. This is the first school-based suicide prevention program for which a reduction in self-reported suicide attempts has been documented with a randomized experimental design. In contrast, significant effects of the SOS program on suicidal ideation and help-seeking behaviors were not observed. The fact that self-reported suicide attempts were reduced by a much greater extent than were thoughts of suicide is most likely a result of the SOS program’s relatively greater emphasis on action and behavior. Reductions in levels of suicidal ideation are expected to be an ancillary benefit of the SOS program, particularly if the program’s efforts to encourage active engagement and communication with peers about these issues fosters a general mobilization of peer support.

Aseltine, R.H., and DeMartino, R. (2004). An outcome evaluation of the SOS suicide prevention program. American Journal of Public Health 94(03), 446-51.

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