Exploring the Effectiveness of a Suicide Ideation Prevention Program: Reframe-IT+

Detailed Summary

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, with worldwide prevalence rates of suicidal ideation, suicidal ideation with a plan, and suicide attempts in youth aged 14-21 years. These behaviors have a significant negative impact on individuals, families, and the community at large. In Latin America, including Chile, suicide rates have increased in recent decades. Youth suicide prevention is a public health priority in Chile, although evidence-based interventions of high quality are lacking. Secondary schools are a suitable and accessible setting for youth suicide prevention programs, with interventions that raise awareness about suicide and improve skills to reduce suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. Despite the effectiveness of interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), these are less common in school settings, although digital technologies offer a potentially efficient way to implement suicide prevention programs in schools. The Reframe-IT program is an Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to reduce suicidal ideation in youth, supported by school wellness staff. Studies in Australia demonstrated the effectiveness and acceptability of Reframe-IT, although it is suggested that digital interventions may have a greater impact when combined with face-to-face sessions. This study examined the acceptability and feasibility of a combined intervention that included Reframe-IT and four additional in-person sessions for adolescents in Chile. It is suggested that these combined interventions could be a promising strategy for youth suicide prevention in school settings, especially in Latin American countries where mental health support is limited.

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