Item – Theses Canada

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OCLC number
1032909857
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
Eynan, Rahel.
Title
Preventing Suicides in the Toronto Subway System : a Program Evaluation.
Degree
Ph. D. -- University of Toronto, 2012
Publisher
Toronto : University of Toronto, 2012.
Description
1 online resource
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
Despite the wealth of information on suicide prevention issues and the widespread implementation of suicide prevention strategies, program evaluation efforts have been limited. Lack of sound program evaluation remains one of the most significant barriers to identification and implementation of effective intervention and prevention strategies. The purpose of this study was two-fold: to conduct a summative evaluation of the gatekeeper suicide prevention program implemented at the Toronto Transit Commission, and to concomitantly, appraise the efficacy and effectiveness of the Kirkpatrick evaluation model as an analytical framework to guide suicide prevention program evaluations. The study used a two-phase, sequential mixed-method approach of converging quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative study employed a repeated measures design and examined the immediate and long-term effects of the gatekeeper program on attitudes, knowledge, intervention abilities. The qualitative study consisted of semi-structured interviews and explored participants' effective and utility reactions to the gatekeeper training program. The results of this study indicated safeTALK and suicideAWARE training programs increased participants' knowledge of suicide and suicidal behaviour, enhanced positive attitudes toward the suicidal individual, suicide intervention, and improved intervention skills. The empirical findings from this study support the premise that the Kirkpatrick evaluation model could be adapted for use in gatekeeper program evaluations. The model provides a highly relevant, well-rounded, rigorous approach to suicide prevention program evaluations.
Other link(s)
hdl.handle.net
tspace.library.utoronto.ca
Subject
suicide prevention.
program evaluation.