[R03] Structuring Appropriate and Feasible Evaluations of Risk (SAFER)
Ente: National Institute of Mental Health
Scadenza: 2028-04-30
Importo max: 165.987 EUR
Paese: US
Descrizione
Abstract
Suicide remains a leading public health crisis, claiming over 49,000 lives in 2022. Among college-aged
individuals, suicide is the second leading cause of death, with studies indicating that 6.4% of students develop
new-onset suicidal ideation, exceeding rates seen in the general population. To address this, researchers
increasingly utilize technological tools for real-time suicide risk assessment. While these tools enhance risk
detection, they also introduce ethical challenges, particularly in balancing participant safety with scientific
validity. Existing protocols for managing suicide risk in research lack empirical validation, creating
inconsistencies that delay studies and hinder progress.
The proposed study, Structuring Appropriate and Feasible Evaluations of Risk (SAFER), aims to address
this gap by developing evidence-based suicide risk management protocols. SAFER will incorporate
perspectives from students with lived experience and suicidologists to create and evaluate risk assessment
and intervention protocols. The project has three primary aims: (1) examining stakeholder views on the
acceptability of suicide risk management protocols, (2) evaluating the effects of different protocols on
participant safety, and (3) assessing their impact on data validity. Aim 1 will develop a stakeholder panel
consisting of ~16 students with lived experience and ~16 suicidologists. Semi-structured interviews will be
conducted until saturation is reached. Aim 2 will assess the perceived acceptability and effectiveness of
various suicide risk management protocols among high-risk college students (n=30) and suicidologists (n=10).
Participants will evaluate different risk response strategies, including variations in outreach, safety measures,
and resource provision. Aim 3 will test the impact of different levels of research personnel outreach on reports
of suicidal ideation and behaviors. A cohort of 50 students at risk for suicide will complete daily assessments.
Responses will trigger stratified interventions, ranging from automated resource reminders to direct outreach
by research staff. Participants will evaluate the acceptability of these interventions at the study’s conclusion.
This project will generate empirical data to refine ethical guidelines for suicide risk management, ensuring
they are both protective and conducive to research integrity. By balancing participant safety with scientific
feasibility, SAFER will provide scalable, evidence-based risk management strategies applicable to diverse
research settings. These findings will contribute to national efforts in bioethics, aligning with the Belmont
Report principles while addressing critical gaps in suicide research methodologies.
Istituzione: BUTLER HOSPITAL (PROVIDENCE, RI)
PI: Sarah A Arias
Progetto: 1R03MH143127-01
Settori: National Institute of Mental Health
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