Effect of a suicide prevention program in potentially high-risk adolescents defined by behavioral inhibition and behavioral activation systems

Abstract

Previous research has found that a combination of high levels of behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and low levels of behavioral activation system (BAS-Drive) predicts suicidal thinking (Rasmussen, Elliott, & O’Connor, 2012). In this study, we examined whether the effects of a suicide prevention education program for junior high-school students were moderated by the risk level of students, regarding a combination of high BIS and low BAS-Drive as a high risk for suicide. A total of 28 high-risk students and 167 low-risk students participated in the program. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires during the intervention. As a result of the analysis, it was suggested that through the program, not only low-risk students but also potential high-risk students could gain the ability to seek assistance.