Culturally adapted suicide prevention for Black middle school students in Chicago
Official title: Piloting a Culturally Adapted Multilevel Suicide Prevention Intervention in Schools for Black Youth and Their Families
Run by University of Chicago · NCT07125144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot will try a culturally adapted Signs of Suicide program to see if it helps Black middle school students in Chicago recognize suicidal thoughts and get help.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 11 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07125144 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Black students enrolled in 6th–8th grade at participating Chicago middle schools.
✕Probably not a fit
Students who are not Black, are outside grades 6–8, are not enrolled at participating schools, or who require immediate intensive clinical care for acute suicidality would likely not receive benefit from this pilot prevention program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The project adapts the existing Signs of Suicide (SOS) program to better reflect the cultural context of Black middle school students and their communities. Investigators will run a pilot randomized controlled trial in Chicago middle schools, enrolling Black students in grades 6–8 and comparing the culturally adapted SOS to the standard SOS program. The study will measure feasibility and acceptability of the adapted program and collect initial data on suicide-related knowledge, help-seeking behavior, and self-reported suicidal thoughts or attempts. Results will guide whether a larger effectiveness trial and broader implementation are warranted.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the adapted program could improve early recognition, increase help-seeking, and reduce suicidal thoughts and attempts among Black middle school students.
How similar studies have gone: The Signs of Suicide program has shown benefits in general adolescent school populations, but culturally adapting SOS specifically for Black middle school students is relatively novel and not well tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Enrolled in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade at a participating school Exclusion Criteria: * Not enrolled in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade at a participating school
Where it's running
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Janelle R. Goodwill, PhD — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Janelle R Goodwill, PhD
- Email: jgoodwill@uchicago.edu
- Phone: 773-834-5114
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.