From Crisis to Resilience: The Therapeutic Outcomes of SOSA, A Support Group for Survivors of Suicide Attempt

Body of Abstract: The Support Group for Suicide Attempt Survivors (SOSA) was established in 2011 with the dual objectives of assisting individuals in coping with suicidal ideation and reducing hospitalization and crisis intervention rates. This presentation will review the SOSA program’s impact, drawing on data from a cohort of 109 survivors of suicide attempt(s) who completed an 8-week support group program and self-reported measures of suicidal symptoms (suicidal ideation, hopelessness, thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness) as well as resilience appraisals and safety plan knowledge before and after group participation. Analysis using paired t-tests revealed significant reductions in suicidal ideation, hopelessness, thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, as well as significant increases in resilience appraisals and safety plan knowledge. These findings suggest that the SOSA model offers a valuable therapeutic approach for suicide attempt survivors, contributing to symptom relief and increased resilience. Implications for community support and suicide prevention will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine the impact of the SOSA support group model on reducing severe suicidal symptoms and increasing resilience in suicide attempt survivors by reviewing pre- and post-program data.
• Explain the role of structured support groups in community-based suicide prevention efforts and how they work to reduce the need for crisis interventions.
• Discuss specific therapeutic components of the SOSA group model that contribute to fostering resilience, reducing feelings of isolation, and promoting recovery in group settings.