Improving Resident Assistant Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Through Focus Group Feedback

In response to the alarming rates of suicidal distress on college campuses, many institutions have implemented Resident Assistant (RA) suicide prevention gatekeeper training. However, research is limited regarding the effectiveness of these training programs. Focus groups conducted with RAs who participated in suicide prevention training provided insight into RAs’ perceptions of training as well as how the training impacted the RAs’ ability to intervene with suicidal residents. Recommendations for future trainings are discussed.