Peer-Led Suicide Prevention: Promoting Healthy Family Role Transitions for Military Personnel
Abstract
Project objectives are to develop and test an upstream suicide preventive intervention (Wingman-Connect) for young, enlisted Air Force (AF) personnel by adapting the evidence-based Sources of Strength program. Wingman-Connect uses an active learning model through which AF technical training students together build a foundation of healthy peer and mentor relationships, belonging and purpose, and skills to maintain balance. The longer-term goals are to prepare airmen for a successful transition to operational AF, reduce vulnerability for relationship disruptions, and prevent behavioral and emotional problems including suicidal behavior. In project Years 1-3, partnership was created with AF Leadership, completed protocols and IRB approvals, engaged Sheppard Air Force Base technical training school as site and enrolled 352 Airmen-in-Training for intervention development and piloting. The developed intervention showed high levels of relevance, satisfaction and perceived benefit (based on airmen feedback) and increased class cohesion based on longitudinal assessments. Developed text messaging system to extend intervention. Maintained strong ongoing partnership with AF and Sheppard AFB leadership during next phase of testing Wingman-Connect through randomized trial. In project Years 4 and 5, recruited, and enrolled 1485 Airmen-in-Training in 26 cohorts, completed assessments at baseline, 1-month, and 6-months post training as part of a nested, matched sample in a randomized control trial. Enrollment and retention rates of participants exceeded targeted goals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1086013
Entities
People
- Peter A. Wyman
Organizations
- University of Rochester