Papageno Video for Suicide Prevention

Overseen By Jane Harness

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a short video, featuring interviews about factors linked to suicide risk, might increase protective factors against suicide. Participants will watch either this "Papageno story" video or a different educational video for comparison. The trial seeks individuals from a specific group within DesignXM who have experienced thoughts of wishing they were dead or could sleep and not wake up in the past year. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding and potentially improving mental health support strategies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What prior data suggests that this video intervention is safe for participants?

Research has shown that the Papageno video intervention, which shares stories of hope and recovery, is generally well-received by viewers. Studies suggest that these videos focus on positive stories and coping strategies, offering hope and highlighting the possibility of recovery. No reports have linked serious negative effects directly to watching these videos. The intervention aims to boost protective factors related to suicide, making it a potentially safe choice for those considering joining the trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Papageno video for suicide prevention because it offers a unique, non-invasive approach to addressing mental health. Unlike conventional treatments that often rely on medication or therapy sessions, this method uses video interviews to tackle proximal risk factors for suicide directly. This innovative approach could provide an accessible and engaging way to reach individuals who might not seek traditional help, thereby broadening the scope of prevention strategies.

What evidence suggests that the Papageno video is effective for suicide prevention?

Research has shown that the Papageno video, which shares positive stories about overcoming challenges, can help reduce suicidal thoughts. In this trial, one group of participants will watch the Papageno video, while another group will watch an educational control video. Specifically, studies have found that teenagers who watched Papageno videos experienced a noticeable decrease in suicidal thoughts. The videos also help by demonstrating ways to be strong and cope with difficulties. This suggests that the Papageno effect, which uses positive storytelling, may play an important role in preventing suicide by fostering hope and recovery. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Cheryl King, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Jane Harness, DO

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals at risk of suicide who may benefit from viewing a video designed to increase protective factors against suicide. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants would need to meet certain mental health conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

In the past year, I have wished to be dead or not wake up.

People who are part of an existing cohort within DesignXM

Exclusion Criteria

No exclusions if all inclusion criteria is met

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Intervention

Participants watch a 'Papageno story' video or a control video to assess effects on proximal risk factors for suicide

1 day

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and perceived agency

3 months

Assessments immediately before and after video, and at 3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Papageno

Trial Overview The study is testing the impact of a 'Papageno story' video, which includes interviews that could help prevent suicide by increasing protective factors. Participants will be compared with those watching a control video.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Papageno video Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The arm will watch a compilation of interviews on proximal risk factors for suicide

Group II: Control video Active Control 1 Intervention

The arm will watch an educational control video

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Collaborator

Trials

36

Recruited

10,500+

Ouida Scholar Award

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

600+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Signs of Suicide (SOS) prevention program significantly reduced self-reported suicide attempts among high school students, as shown in a study involving 2,100 students across 5 schools.

Students in the intervention group also exhibited greater knowledge and more positive attitudes towards depression and suicide, indicating that the program not only helps reduce attempts but also improves understanding of these issues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An outcome evaluation of the SOS Suicide Prevention Program. Aseltine, RH., DeMartino, R.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12592894/

A “Papageno” Story Interview Suicide Prevention Intervention ... Our study did not look at outcomes such as suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. Our study also was not an effectiveness study. An Australian ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953625001819

Social media influencers and the Papageno effect As we outline in detail below, there is growing evidence that such media portrayals can positively contribute to suicide prevention by reducing suicidal ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8611173/

Effects of suicide prevention videos developed by and ... Adolescents reported significantly lower suicidal ideation after watching the intervention video. The video was also effective in increasing ...

4. sallyspencerthomas.com sallyspencerthomas.com/dr-sally-speaks-blog/2024/10/28/the-papageno-effect-harnessing-positive-storytelling-for-hope-and-recovery-in-suicide-prevention

The Papageno Effect: Harnessing Positive Storytelling for ... Niederkrotenthaler's studies have shown that these stories, which portray resilience and coping strategies, not only decrease suicidal ideation ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-suicide-2-2025-c6bc5

Papageno Video for Suicide Prevention · Info for Participants The Signs of Suicide (SOS) prevention program significantly reduced self-reported suicide attempts among high school students, as shown in a study involving ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468266721002747

Effects of media stories of hope and recovery on suicidal ... There is strong evidence that suicides increase after media stories about suicides by celebrities, particularly those that highlight the suicide method (the ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9499448/

Effects of “It Gets Better” Suicide Prevention Videos on Youth ... Emerging evidence suggests that brief media interventions featuring narratives of hope can reduce suicidal ideation in the audience, the “Papageno effect.” Some ...