Abstract

No research has explored the potential of homeless youth to serve as gatekeepers for suicide prevention purposes. This study described and examined associations between gatekeeping beliefs (i.e. preparedness and efficacy), intent-to-intervene, and gatekeeping behaviors (approach/referral behavior). In a sample of 139 homeless youth (aged 14–24), regression analysis was used to characterize associations between gatekeeper beliefs, intent, and behaviors. On average, participants engaged in gatekeeper behaviors with 1–2 people over the past 3 months. Gatekeeping beliefs and intent were positively associated with behaviors. Gatekeeper training that targets these attributes is a promising prevention strategy for homeless youth, but may require population-specific adaptation.

摘要

没有研究探讨过无家可归青年作为预防自杀的看门人的潜力。这项研究描述并检验了把关信念（即准备和功效）、干预意图和把关行为（接近/推荐行为）之间的关联。在 139 名无家可归青年（14-24 岁）的样本中，回归分析被用来描述看门人的信念、意图和行为之间的关联。平均而言，参与者在过去 3 个月内与 1-2 人进行了看门人行为。把关信念和意图与行为呈正相关。针对这些属性的看门人培训对于无家可归的青年来说是一种很有前途的预防策略，但可能需要针对特定​​人群进行调整。