Work

Teachers' Response to a Student Presenting With Suicidality: A Call to Action

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Schools are a logical point of access for suicide prevention, assessment, and intervention services. Teachers serve as gatekeepers, uniquely positioned to identify suicide warning signs and refer students to appropriate services. Teachers often receive general mental health training but rarely extended or specialized suicide gatekeeper preparation before entering the field. This instrumental case study sought to explore how 21 teachers in an accelerated licensure program responded to a case vignette involving a student presenting with suicide risk factors. Findings showed that most teachers recognized risk factors and referred students appropriately, but confidence, appropriateness, and scope of practice varied. Implications underscored the need for experiential gatekeeper training to build confidence and effective intervention skills, and a call to action for educators is presented.

Source: Psychology in the Schools

DOI: 10.1002/pits.70110

Authors: Katherine A. Feather, Heather Dahl‐Jacinto, Danica G. Hays, Heather Baltodano‐Van Ness, Nicole Atwell, Carter Causse

Institutions: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Ohio University

Language: English

Topic: Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,350