Suicide Prevention Initiative—Research, Intervention, & Training (SPIRIT)

Director: Theodore Beauchaine

Purpose

Effective prevention of suicide requires broad understanding of biological vulnerabilities (e.g., genetic influences, neural functions) proximal environmental risk factors (e.g., maltreatment, peer influences), sociocultural influences (e.g., poverty, discrimination, political divisions), and how they interact. This approach allows us to target both individual-level and structural-level mechanisms of self-injury and suicide in specific communities. Over time, targeted precision care improves prevention efficacy.

Recruiting

Our lab is currently recruiting eligible members of the community to participate in research.

Participants

Adolescents, ages 13-17, who experience two or more of the following: trouble controlling emotions, social isolation, self-injury (e.g., cutting), impulsivity, depression, alcohol or other substance misuse.

What's Involved?

Participation occurs over the course of 13 months, with the majority of active participation occurring over the course of four weeks, followed by one session occurring 12 months later. Three visits to our clinic (beginning, 1-month, 1-year); all other participation is by phone app.

Suicide Prevention Initiative—Research, Intervention, & Training (SPIRIT)