Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

Adolescent suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents in the U.S. and is a growing public health concern. Schools are often the most accessible way for students to access mental health support. This makes them uniquely positioned to intervene when a student is experiencing suicidal ideation. Schools are a key environment for implementing suicide prevention strategies and providing education on suicide and depression. This paper reviews four evidence-based school-based suicide prevention programs, including Signs of Suicide (SOS), Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM), Hope Squad, and Sources of Strength. The paper also examines the concept of school connectedness, its components, and its protective influence on mental health. Findings show that programs emphasizing peer support and school connectedness show the strongest potential for reducing suicide risk for adolescents. Finally, the paper identifies gaps in the current research, including the need for early intervention in younger populations and culturally responsive strategies for suicide prevention, with the findings supporting a holistic approach for school-based suicide prevention programs to promote the overall well-being of students.

Year of Submission

2026

Department

Department of Learning, Leadership & Community

First Advisor

Stephanie Schmitz

Date Original

2026

Object Description

1 PDF file (23 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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