Career Enhancement Training for Suicide Prevention

Overseen By Bryan Yates, BS

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Rochester

Disqualifiers: Non-US Airmen, Not first-year

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a program called Wingman-Connect to determine its effectiveness in reducing suicide risk among Airmen. The program aims to strengthen social bonds and promote healthy coping strategies. Participants will be divided into groups, with some receiving Wingman-Connect training and others receiving stress management training focused on stress reduction and anxiety management. The trial seeks Airmen-in-Training enrolled in technical classes lasting 37 to 91 days, supporting specific Air Force missions. As an unphased trial, it offers Airmen the chance to contribute to innovative research that could improve mental health support within the Air Force community.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the Wingman-Connect Program is safe for USAF personnel?

Research has shown that the Wingman-Connect program aims to reduce suicidal thoughts and depression among Air Force members. Studies have found that it helps build strong friendships and healthy habits, which are important for mental health. Although specific safety information for Wingman-Connect is limited, studies have reported no harmful side effects. By focusing on improving social support and mental health, the program appears to be generally well-tolerated. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Wingman-Connect because it takes a unique approach to suicide prevention by focusing on social networks. Unlike traditional treatments that often center on individual therapy or medication, Wingman-Connect strengthens social bonds and promotes healthy coping norms within groups. This method not only helps individuals feel more connected and supported but also fosters a community culture that actively discourages harmful behaviors. By leveraging the power of social networks, Wingman-Connect offers a fresh, community-driven strategy that could complement existing individual-focused interventions.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for suicide prevention?

Research has shown that the Wingman-Connect program, which participants in this trial may receive, helps reduce suicidal thoughts and symptoms of depression. In one study, participants experienced a significant drop in suicidal actions and mental health issues after joining the program. The program builds strong social connections and teaches healthy coping strategies within Air Force classes. By bringing people together, it creates a supportive network among Airmen. These positive social connections are crucial in lowering the risk of suicide. Meanwhile, another group in this trial will receive stress management training, focusing on cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage stress and anxiety. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Airmen-in-Training within their first year of enlistment in the USAF, specifically from classes that support AFGSC & AMC missions. Classes must last between 37-91 days. It excludes foreign airmen and those not in their initial enlistment year.

Inclusion Criteria

Eligible classes must be between 37-91 class days in length

Airmen-in-Training (AiT) recruited from technical training classes that train Airmen in jobs that support the mission and aircraft of AFGSC & AMC MajComs

Exclusion Criteria

Airmen from other countries receiving training in US

Airmen who are not in their first year of enlistment

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Baseline assessments are conducted prior to randomization of classes

1 week

Intervention

Participants receive either the Wingman-Connect Program or an active control training

36 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for outcomes related to suicide risk, depression, and occupational problems

12 months

2 assessments at 6 months and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Stress Management
• Wingman-Connect

Trial Overview The study examines the Wingman-Connect Program's impact on suicide risk among USAF personnel. Participants are randomly placed into either this program or a control group with standard training, then monitored for one year.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Wingman Connect Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Wingman-Connect (Wyman et al., 2020 \& 2022) uses a network health theoretical framework to strengthen two suicide-protective functions of social networks: 1) Strengthening positive social bonds, and 2) Building healthy norms that incentivize adaptive coping.

Group II: Active Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Active control is stress management training of cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Rochester

Lead Sponsor

Trials

883

Recruited

555,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) is effective in reducing suicidal ideation and behavior, as well as improving depression and treatment engagement among adults experiencing suicide-related distress, based on a systematic review of 26 studies.

The SPI is adaptable and can be delivered in various formats (in-person or online) and as a standalone or combined intervention, making it a flexible tool in suicide prevention practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effectiveness of the Safety Planning Intervention for Adults Experiencing Suicide-Related Distress: A Systematic Review. Ferguson, M., Rhodes, K., Loughhead, M., et al.[2022]

The implementation of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) in crisis hotlines led to significant improvements in callers' feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, and overall hopefulness, based on data from 1,507 monitored calls.

While ASIST training did not result in more thorough suicide risk assessments, it was associated with effective counselor interventions that helped callers explore reasons for living and connect with informal support, contributing to better outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Gould, MS., Cross, W., Pisani, AR., et al.[2022]

A large majority of sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Canada (90%) reported having peers with depression, and 73% knew someone who had attempted suicide, highlighting the significant need for suicide prevention resources in this community.

There is a strong interest among SGM for training in suicide prevention, with 94% wanting to learn how to recognize signs of suicidality and 95% wanting skills to support peers, indicating a readiness to engage in gatekeeper training programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sexual and Gender Minorities' Readiness and Interest in Supporting Peers Experiencing Suicide-Related Behaviors. Ferlatte, O., Salway, T., Oliffe, JL., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7578767/

Effect of the Wingman-Connect Upstream Suicide ... The Wingman-Connect program reduced suicidal ideation, depression symptoms, and occupational problems at 1 month by fostering cohesive, healthy classes.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953622000405

Wingman-Connect Program increases social integration for ... Primary outcomes were social network metrics based on Airmen nominations of valued classmates after 1 month. Baseline CAT-SS >34 defined elevated suicide risk.

3. safesideprevention.com safesideprevention.com/articles/promising-outcomes-of-wingman-connect-program-in-reducing-suicidal-behavior-among-us-air-force-personnel

Promising Outcomes of Wingman-Connect Program… The results were compelling, indicating a marked decrease in the onset of psychiatric conditions and suicidal actions among participants of the Wingman-Connect ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/346340484_Effect_of_the_Wingman-Connect_Upstream_Suicide_Prevention_Program_for_Air_Force_Personnel_in_Training_A_Cluster_Randomized_Clinical_Trial

(PDF) Effect of the Wingman-Connect Upstream Suicide ... ... Wingman-Connect on Hypothesized Mediators. Wingman-Connect participants gained on all class protective factors: cohesion, morale, bonds to. classmates, and ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05967364

Career Enhancement Training Study Delivered Across ... This proposed trial tests the effectiveness of the Wingman-Connect Program on individual suicide risk. We will examine theory-driven mediators and moderators ...

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-suicide-5-2024-55faa

Wingman-Connect for Suicide Prevention There is limited specific safety data for Wingman-Connect, but studies highlight the importance of clear reporting of adverse events (unwanted effects) in ...