How to evaluate a program focused on using meaning in life to decrease suicide ideation?

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When evaluating a program focused on using meaning in life to decrease suicide ideation, here are five points to consider:

Clearly define program objectives: Start by clearly defining the objectives of the program evaluation. Determine the specific outcomes you want to measure, such as the reduction in suicide ideation, improvement in meaning in life, or changes in participants' overall well-being.

Select appropriate measurement tools: Choose reliable and validated measurement tools to assess both meaning in life and suicide ideation. There are established scales and questionnaires available, such as the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI), which can provide quantitative data for evaluation purposes.

Collect qualitative data.: In addition to quantitative measures, incorporate qualitative methods to gain a deeper understanding of participants' experiences. Conduct interviews or focus groups with program participants to gather their perspectives on how the program has influenced their sense of meaning in life and impacted their suicide ideation.

Monitor program fidelity: Ensure that the program is implemented as intended by monitoring fidelity. Assess whether the program is delivered consistently across different facilitators or settings. Monitoring fidelity helps determine if the program's effectiveness is influenced by variations in implementation, which can impact the evaluation outcomes.

Analyze and interpret data.: Once data is collected, analyze the quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the program's impact.