Randomised controlled trial of a web-based mental health, self-harm and suicide gatekeeper resource for parents and caregivers.
Alison L Calear, Sonia M McCallum, Dominique Kazan et al.
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In 30 seconds
This two-arm randomised controlled trial evaluated a web-based mental health, self-harm and suicide gatekeeper resource for Australian parents and caregivers of children aged 5–17 years. Among 509 participants, the intervention was associated with significant post-intervention improvements in self-efficacy for supporting a child’s mental health (p = .04) and suicide risk (p = .01), alongside changes in perceived knowledge, help-seeking barriers, suicide stigma and suicide literacy. Some effects persisted at 12-week follow-up. Mental health literacy and stigma, and help-seeking attitudes and intentions, did not significantly change.
Key findings
- Post-intervention self-efficacy improved for mental health support (p = .04) and suicide risk support (p = .01).
- Significant intervention effects were reported for perceived knowledge (p < .001), help-seeking barriers (p = .02), suicide stigma (p = .02) and suicide literacy (p = .01).
- Some effects were maintained at 12-week follow-up; mental health literacy and stigma, help-seeking attitudes and intentions showed no significant change.
Why it matters
Parents and caregivers may be important in recognising distress and helping children access support, but may lack confidence or knowledge. This trial suggests a targeted web-based resource can improve several relevant self-reported capacities and suicide-related outcomes, while also showing that gains do not extend to every literacy or help-seeking measure.
What to keep in mind
The abstract reports that future research should identify ways to improve engagement with web-based interventions. Outcomes were assessed through participant-reported measures, and follow-up was limited to 12 weeks.