Effectiveness of suicide prevention gatekeeper‐training for university administrative staff in Japan

Abstract

Aims: Suicide is a leading cause of death among Japanese college and university students. Gatekeepertraining programs have been shown to improve detection and referral of individuals who are at risk of suicide by training non-mental-health professional persons. However, no studies have investigated the effectiveness of such programs in university settings in Japan. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the gatekeeper-training program for administrative staff in Japanese universities. Methods:We developed a 2.5-h gatekeeper-training program based on the Mental Health First Aid program, which was originally developed for the general public. Seventy-six administrative staff at Hokkaido University participated in the program. Competence and confidence in managing suicide intervention, behavioral intention as a gatekeeper and attitude while handling suicidal students were measured by a self-reported questionnaire before, immediately after and a month after the program. Results:We found a significant improvement in competence in the management of suicidal students. We also found improvements in confidence in management of suicidal students and behavioral intention as a gatekeeper after training, though questionnaires for those secondary outcomes were not validated. These improvements continued for a month. About 95% of the participants rated the program as useful or very useful and one-third of the participants had one or more chances to utilize their skills within a month. Conclusions:The current results suggest the positive effects of the training program in university settings in Japan. Future evaluation that includes comparison with standard didactic trainings and an assessment of long-term effectiveness are warranted.

Hikikomori : Multidimensional understanding, assessment, and future international perspectives

“…The five‐steps of the MHFA (3rd version) are as follows: Step 1, Approach the person, assess and assist with any crisis; Step 2, Listen non‐judgmentally; Step 3, Give support and information; Step 4, Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help; and Step 5, Encourage other support . We have been promoting usage of the MHFA in Japan, and are now in the process of developing an evidence‐based educational support model that enables families (especially parents) of persons with hikikomori to obtain specific skills and knowledge in dealing with hikikomori based on the MHFA. In this program, we are especially focusing on how to assess one's child and bring them to professional support places smoothly and safely using the MHFA‐based materials, including hikikomori ‐case role‐play scenarios.…”

Older Adults Looking for a Job through Employment Support System in Tokyo

“…The office clerk at these facilities is also expected to be a gatekeeper for social isolation or suicide for these older people. We have to enlighten these office clerks through appropriate education and training programs about this [ 31 ]. It also may be effective to place telephone lifeline posters at the windows, or to organize mutual self-help groups for these older job seekers, especially for those who stay a long time at ASESC.…”

A Community's Response to Gatekeeper Training

“…Lower levels of satisfaction and poorer outcomes, including a concerning increase in suicidal ideation among First Nations tribal community members in Canada, raises concern about appropriateness of standardized training for minority groups [22]. The issue of culture was raised by other researchers [23,31]. It has been concluded there was insufficient evidence to recommend gatekeeper training for indigenous persons in one systematic review of suicide prevention interventions [40].…”