Culturally adapted suicide prevention for Black middle school students in Chicago
Piloting a Culturally Adapted Multilevel Suicide Prevention Intervention in Schools for Black Youth and Their Families
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT07125144 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black students enrolled in 6th–8th grade at participating Chicago middle schools.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.