Feasibility evaluation of the HOLLY program: an ACT-based suicide prevention program for Christian faith-based organisations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective This study is a feasibility evaluation of The HOLLY Program, a suicide prevention gatekeeper training (GKT) program that uses the core processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and is tailored to Christian faith-based organisations (FBOs). Method: Thirteen participants received the program, and nine participants provided post-intervention data. Results Paired samples t-tests corrected for familywise error did not find any significant outcomes. However, there were marginally significant trends for improvements in self-efficacy, prevention behaviors, stigma, and engagement with values, which were supported by the qualitative and descriptive data. Across the sample, high levels of satisfaction with the program’s helpfulness, relevance, and practical content were reported. Qualitative data investigating perceptions of suicide motivation and suicide prevention found that participants recognised the psychological nature of suicide and provided sound, scientific suggestions for prevention. Conclusions While large-scale validation is required, proximate outcomes as presented in this study suggest that The HOLLY Program is viable and promising, and that members of Christian FBOs are willing and suitable recipients of GKT for suicide prevention.