Efficacy of an online gatekeeper program for relatives of men at risk of suicide – a randomized controlled trial

Background

Men at risk for suicide are a challenging population group to reach with suicide prevention strategies. Gatekeepers hold a pivotal role in the prevention of male suicide, yet effective intervention requires them to have a level of knowledge and strategies to provide support.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an online gatekeeper program for gatekeepers in male suicide prevention, assessing knowledge, perceived preparedness, self-efficacy, and psychopathological symptoms of gatekeepers.

Methods

Eighty-four participants were randomized to either the intervention (n = 43) or the waitlist control group (n = 41). The intervention comprised four modules providing knowledge and strategies for addressing men in suicidal crises. Outcomes included depression (PHQ-9), distress (PSS-10), burden (BAS), involvement (IEQ), as well as gatekeeper outcomes and knowledge.

Results

Completer analyses revealed significant improvement of depressive symptoms (d = 0.39) and an increase in gatekeeper outcomes (d = 0.58 to d = 0.84) and knowledge (d = 0.62) from baseline to post-assessment. The effects were maintained for 3 months. No significant effects could be found for burden, distress, and involvement.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that a brief gatekeeper program can serve as a valuable resource. Future research should focus on examining the mental health of gatekeepers themselves and its long-term effects on intervention behavior.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00030758, registered on 05.12.2022.