An Analysis of the Knowledge and Attitudes of Secondary School Teachers Concerning Suicide Among Adolescents and Intervention in Adolescent Suicide

• Main Author: Gordon, Susan E. Licht
• Other Authors: Black, Watt L.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: North Texas State University 1979
• Subjects: adolescent suicide; teacher intervention; High school teachers > Attitudes.; Youth > Suicidal behavior.; Suicide > Prevention.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc500816/

The purpose of this study is to analyze the interaction of (1) the secondary school teacher's knowledge concerning both the problem of adolescent suicide and the potential for teacher intervention and (2) selected demographic variables on the dependent variables of the teacher's attitudes concerning both the problem of adolescent suicide and the potential for teacher intervention in order to develop a data base upon which to examine the prospects for realizing the intervention potential of secondary school teachers in the area of adolescent suicide. Findings indicate that there are significant differences in knowledge concerning the problem of adolescent suicide and the potential for teacher intervention as a function of particular demographics. Similarly, there are significant differences in attitude toward the problem of adolescent suicide and the potential for teacher intervention as a function of particular demographics. Findings further reveal that level of knowledge appears to be a significant contributing factor in the secondary school teacher's attitude as a function of selected demographics. Secondary school teachers appear to possess a low level of knowledge concerning both the problem of adolescent suicide and the potential for teacher intervention, and they exhibit a range of predominantly negative attitudes toward the problem of adolescent suicide. However, the teachers appear to possess a tenuously positive attitude toward the potential for teacher intervention.