Review of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Program ...

Summary of Knowledge and Attitude Outcomes
Based upon results from multiple evaluations, ASIST training has led to positive
changes in both knowledge and attitudes. Furthermore, these changes have
endured over months and years. Specifically, participants
• Reported greater knowledge about suicide, suicide prevention,
warning signs of suicide, and intervention methods
• Reported greater confidence in their ability to intervene after training
Knowledge and confidence increased after ASIST training
ASIST trainees in Scotland, 75% of whom were professionals, reported substantially increased knowledge,
confidence, and skills after ASIST training (Griesbach, et al., 2008). The authors concluded:
Participants’ self-reported levels of knowledge, confidence and skills in relation to intervening with
someone at risk of suicide increased substantially immediately after ASIST. These increases were
largely maintained over time. (p. 63; bold in the original).
Knowledge and attitudes were greater than comparison group
ASIST trainees in Alberta, Canada, demonstrated greater knowledge and positive attitudes toward suicide
intervention than did members of a comparison group (Tierney, 1994).
Readiness to intervene increased after ASIST training
A variety of professionals and laypersons in Australia reported a significantly greater readiness to intervene
after ASIST training than before (Turley, Pullen, Thomas, & Rolfe, 2000).
Knowledge and attitude gains maintained over time
A variety of professionals and laypersons in Australia demonstrated increased knowledge about suicide and
intervention, as well as increased willingness to intervene and optimism about intervening, immediately
after ASIST training and four months later, when compared with pre-training knowledge and attitudes
(Turley & Tanney, 1998).
School personnel reported sustained knowledge gains
School personnel in Oregon, U.S., demonstrated increased knowledge of facts about suicide prevention,
suicide warning signs, and how to intervene with someone at risk for suicide, as well as greater comfort,
competence, and confidence in helping suicidal persons immediately following ASIST training. These gains
were maintained when measured three months after training (Organizational Research Services, 2002).
The authors concluded:
The results demonstrate the strong positive impact of workshops and training on knowledge of suicide
issues, prevention, intervention and assessment. We observe many instances of significant increases
over time in knowledge among participants. Moreover, the analysis at three time points indicates that
the knowledge gains demonstrated at the post workshop persist three months later (p. 3).
Increased confidence to intervene
National Health Service Staff in Scotland reported a 63% increase in confidence to intervene with someone
who may be at risk for suicide after ASIST training (Griesbach, et al., 2008).
16 Review of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Program (ASIST) LivingWorks Education