Preliminary Study for Gatekeepers Self-Efficacy Scale among Resident Assistants (GSS- RA)

Authors: Heo J*, Swanbrow Becker M, Paek I and Miller H

DOI: 10.23880/pprij-16000412

Volume 9, Issue 2

Abstract

As the importance of promoting college student mental health increases and campuses work to prevent suicide, resident assistants (RAs) are called upon to serve as gatekeepers to facilitate professional help as a part of suicide prevention initiatives on campuses. However, assessing the efficacy of suicide prevention training is lacking. This study develops and validates the Gatekeepers Self-Efficacy Scale among resident assistants (RAs) based on the Question, Persuade, Response suicide prevention model. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Parallel Analysis, and Multidimensional Graded Response model (MGRM) were used with 302 RAs sample. Two factors were found, (1) Communicating about Crisis and (2) Knowledge of Resources, with appropriate item fit and parameter estimates. The response patterns of the two factors and their correlations with objective suicide prevention knowledge were estimated and discussed. The implications of these findings for practical application are discussed, along with suggestions for future studies.

Keywords: Scale Development; Self-Efficacy; Gatekeepers; Suicide Prevention Training

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