Comparative outcomes of three school-based cognitive-behavioral interventions for adolescent suicide prevention in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a school-based suicide prevention program in Hong Kong.

Methods: 105 secondary school students aged 14–16, identified as having high levels of depression and suicidal ideation. Participants were divided into three intervention groups: one for adolescents only, another for adolescents with peers, and a third for adolescents with parental involvement. All groups engaged in weekly online exercises. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the within-group and between-group differences in the levels of adolescents’ suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety.

Results: The results indicated a statistically significant reduction in suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety levels after participation in all three groups. No statistically significant between-group differences were identified, meaning the effects of the three interventions on the measured outcomes were similar.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the promise of implementing school-based suicide prevention programs in the Hong Kong context.