Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict College Students' Intention to Intervene With a Suicidal Individual

Abstract

Background: Suicide among college students is an issue of serious concern. College peers may effectively intervene with at-risk persons due to their regular contact and close personal relationships with others in this population of significantly enhanced risk.

Aims: The current study was designed to investigate whether the theory of planned behavior constructs predicted intention to intervene when a college peer is suicidal.

Method: Undergraduate students (n = 367) completed an on-line questionnaire; they answered questions about their attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control regarding suicide and suicide intervention, as well as their intention to intervene when someone is suicidal. The data were analyzed using multiple regression.

Results: The statistical significance of this cross-sectional study indicates that the theory of planned behavior constructs predicts self-reported intention to intervene with a suicidal individual.

Conclusion: Theory of planned behavior is an effective framework for understanding peers' intention to intervene with a suicidal individual.

Keywords: college students; intervention; suicide; theory of planned behavior.