Implementation of a Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program in the University Setting

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF VALENCIA · Jun 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a special training program designed to help university students in Spain learn how to recognize and respond to signs of suicide risk in themselves and others. The program, called the Gatekeeper Program, aims to improve students’ knowledge about suicide prevention, their attitudes toward helping others, and their confidence and actions in intervening when someone might be at risk. Researchers will also look at whether training results differ between men and women and how this affects participation and success in the program. The study will compare students who receive the training right away with those who wait to take it later, using both in-person and online sessions.

To join, participants must be 18 or older, currently enrolled at a Spanish university, able to understand Spanish, and have internet access if choosing the online option. Participants will take part in two training sessions, each lasting about three hours, and complete surveys before, immediately after, and two months following the training. They will also join a follow-up discussion group to share their experiences using the skills they learned. This study is carefully designed and ethically approved to ensure the program is effective and helpful for students who want to support their peers in preventing suicide.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Be 18 years of age or older.
• • Be currently enrolled as a university student in a Spanish university.
• • Have access to the internet via personal computer, smartphone, or tablet (only applicable for participation in the online format).
• • Acknowledge that the program offered is a suicide prevention training intervention.
• • Provide informed consent to participate.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to understand Spanish (the program will be delivered exclusively in Spanish).
• • Inability or unwillingness to commit to attending both training sessions (regardless of whether the participant ultimately continues in the study).