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Effectiveness of Depression–Suicidal Behaviour Gatekeeper Training among police officers in three European regions: Outcomes of the Optimising Suicide Prevention Programmes and Their Implementation in Europe (OSPI-Europe) study

Author

Listed:
  • Ella Arensman
  • Claire Coffey
  • Eve Griffin
  • Chantal Van Audenhove
  • Gert Scheerder
  • Ricardo Gusmao
  • Susana Costa
  • Celine Larkin
  • Nicole Koburger
  • Margaret Maxwell
  • Fiona Harris
  • Vita Postuvan
  • Ulrich Hegerl

Abstract

Background: Gatekeeper training for community facilitators, to identify and respond to those at risk of suicide, forms an important part of multi-level community-based suicide prevention programmes. Aims: This study examined the effects of gatekeeper training on attitudes, knowledge and confidence of police officers in dealing with persons at risk of suicide. Methods: A total of 828 police officers across three European regions participated in a 4-hour training programme which addressed the epidemiology of depression and suicidal behaviour, symptoms of depression, warning signs and risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour, motivating help-seeking behaviour, dealing with acute suicidal crisis and informing bereaved relatives. Participants completed internationally validated questionnaires assessing stigmatising attitudes, knowledge about depression and confidence in dealing with suicidal persons pre- and post-training. Results: There were significant differences among countries in terms of previous exposure to suicidal persons and extent of previous training. Post-training evaluation demonstrated significant improvements in stigmatising attitudes, knowledge and confidence in all three countries. Conclusion: The consistently positive effects of gatekeeper training of police officers across different regions support inclusion of this type of training as a fundamental part of multi-level community-based suicide prevention programmes and roll-out, nationally and internationally.

Suggested Citation

  • Ella Arensman & Claire Coffey & Eve Griffin & Chantal Van Audenhove & Gert Scheerder & Ricardo Gusmao & Susana Costa & Celine Larkin & Nicole Koburger & Margaret Maxwell & Fiona Harris & Vita Postuvan, 2016. "Effectiveness of Depression–Suicidal Behaviour Gatekeeper Training among police officers in three European regions: Outcomes of the Optimising Suicide Prevention Programmes and Their Implementation ," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 62(7), pages 651-660, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:62:y:2016:i:7:p:651-660
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764016668907
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Knox, K.L. & Pflanz, S. & Talcott, G.W. & Campise, R.L. & Lavigne, J.E. & Bajorska, A. & Tu, X. & Caine, E.D., 2010. "The US air force suicide prevention program: Implications for public health policy," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(12), pages 2457-2463.
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