Topic: Depression, Suicide
Target Population: Adolescents, Parents, Providers
Sector: School-Based
Military Sector: DoD Schools
This program is for middle school and high school students, teachers, and parents.
SOS Signs of Suicide®, a school-based prevention program, is designed to decrease suicide and suicide attempts by teaching students, teachers, and parents to recognize signs and symptoms of suicide and depression and encourage help-seeking behaviors.
Several studies in both middle school and high school students, including high military impact middle schools, have been conducted by the same external evaluator. Results demonstrate short-term program effects for treatment groups, including lower rates of suicide attempts, greater knowledge, and more adaptive attitudes about depression and suicide in comparison to control groups.
The SOS Signs of Suicide program intends to teach students how to identify signs of depression and suicide. The program utilizes the ACT® (i.e., Acknowledge, Care, Tell) strategy and is designed to encourage students to seek help for themselves and their peers who may be at risk:
This program is implemented in one class period in which a DVD is played that portrays adolescents utilizing the ACT technique with peers who show symptoms of depression or signs of suicide. After viewing the DVD, students and educators work through a discussion guide that fosters student participation in a group conversation about issues related to depression and suicide. Trusted adults are identified (e.g., mental health professionals, teachers, guidance counselors, loved ones), so students know to whom they can turn and confide in when a peer shows signs of suicide or symptoms of depression. Students also complete a depression self-screening measure and are given the opportunity to talk to someone about themselves or a friend. Refresher videos are also available for students who have been previously trained.
SOS Signs of Suicide is also available as a fully digital program where schools can stream program videos and download all program materials.
The SOS Signs of Suicide program has been implemented in over 10,000 schools and organizations across the United States and in many Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools.
SOS Signs of Suicide may be delivered by school counselors, social workers, psychologists, or classroom teachers. Training is not required, but training resources are available and are included with the purchase of the annual license. A live, virtual SOS 360 Training is available for those who desire additional support. In addition, a 1-hour, self-paced training is available for school faculty and staff. Please use details in the Contact section to learn more.
Considerations for implementing this program include acquiring school administration and teacher buy-in, recruiting a facilitator, understanding the program discusses sensitive topics, making time to watch the DVD and hold discussions, and ensuring the classroom has a DVD player and screen to watch the video or internet access if the online version of the program is being implemented.
The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
If you are interested in implementing SOS Signs of Suicide, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you! Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
The program is implemented in one class period in which students watch a 20-minute video followed by discussion. Time to hold discussions will vary.
An annual license is required to implement the program and includes access to planning materials; classroom videos; curricula; screening forms; and resources for training faculty, staff, and parents. A license (one per building) for middle school, high school, or school staff costs $500 for the first year, $1,000 for a 2-year renewal, and $1,500 for a 3-year renewal. The SOS 360 training costs $199. Please use details in the Contact section for more information.
To move SOS Signs of Suicide to the Promising category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation should be performed demonstrating positive effects lasting at least six months from program completion.
The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu
You may also contact MindWise by mail 270 Bridge Street, Suite 205, Dedham MA 02026, phone 1-781-239-0071, or visit https://mindwise.org/contact-us/
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Aseltine, R. H., James, A., Schilling, E. A., & Glanovsky, J. (2007). Evaluating the SOS suicide prevention program: A replication and extension. BMC Public Health, 7(1), 161-161. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-7-161
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Clark, K. N., Strissel, D., Malecki, C. K., Ogg, J., Demaray, M. K., & Eldridge, M. A. (2022). Evaluating the signs of suicide program: Middle school students at risk and staff acceptability. School Psychology Review, 51(3), 354-369.
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