Advancing Student Suicide Interventions With Scalable Technologies

Advancing Student Suicide Interventions With Scalable Technologies (ASSIST)

Mobile-based applications, such as JasprHealth, can deliver evidence-based skills intended to reduce imminent suicide risk (e.g., reducing means access), improve emotional states (e.g., via distraction and coaching to act opposite to emotions), and reduce feelings of social isolation (e.g., via shared stories), but user engagement is a barrier. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a technological application resource (Jaspr) relative to human augmentation (Jaspr+, e.g., motivationally focused orientation plus prompts) on acceptability, preliminary effectiveness, and engagement among college students who screen positive for suicide risk.

Mobile-based applications, such as Jaspr Health, can deliver evidence-based skills intended to reduce imminent suicide risk (e.g., reducing means access), improve emotional states (e.g., via distraction and coaching to act opposite to emotions), and reduce feelings of social isolation (e.g., via shared stories). Although mobile-device-delivered interventions hold the potential to make interventions widely accessible, user engagement presents a substantial barrier to efficacy. This study, ASSIST: Advancing Student Suicide Interventions with Scalable Technologies, aims to improve engagement with mobile-delivered suicide prevention applications, with the ultimate goal of reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in college students. Including human elements alongside Jaspr Health has the potential to improve the uptake of this evidence-based, accessible mobile-device-delivered intervention.

The aim of this study was is to examine the effects of the technological application resource Jaspr tablet application with access to Jaspr at Home (JAH) vs. Jaspr+ human augmentation (e.g., motivationally focused orientation plus prompts) on acceptability, preliminary effectiveness, and engagement among 50 college students who screen positive for suicide risk (n=25 per condition) over the course of 2 months. Candidate mechanisms (e.g., coping skills, self-stigma) will also be assessed. Participants were randomized via the Redcap randomization module, stratified by site.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Recent suicidal thoughts or behavior (i.e., past 2-week suicidal ideation or past 6-month suicidal behaviors)
• Current UMass Amherst or University of Wisconsin Madison undergraduate student
• 18 years of age or older
• Ability to understand written or spoken English
• Owning a mobile device
• Ability to understand and consent to study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• No recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors (i.e., past 2-week suicidal ideation or past 6-month suicidal behaviors)
• Not a current UMass Amherst or University of Wisconsin Madison undergraduate student
• Under 18 years of age
• Inability to understand written or spoken English
• Does not own a mobile device