SERVICE USERS' EVALUATION OF THE KAUNAS CITY SUICIDE PREVENTION MODEL AND THE PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF SUPPORT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47458/VS.2026.3(114)-6Keywords:
suicide prevention, suicide prevention model, service evaluation, service users, psychosocial servicesAbstract
The aim of the study. To evaluate service users' perceptions of the support received within the Kaunas City Suicide Prevention Model and their subjectively perceived changes.
Materials and methods. A descriptive quantitative study was conducted between October and November 2025 using an anonymous paper-based questionnaire. The survey instrument included questions on respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, satisfaction with the services received, perceptions of the support received and subjectively perceived changes, as well as stigmatizing attitudes and barriers to seeking psychological help. The study included 169 individuals who had received at least one service provided within the Kaunas City Suicide Prevention Model, including anonymous psychological consultations, psychological group sessions, or case management consultations.
Results. Between 90.9% and 100% of respondents evaluated the services provided within the Kaunas City Suicide Prevention Model as good or very good. Among respondents who received anonymous psychological consultations, 97.6% – 100% reported positive changes, including improved emotional well-being, receipt of emotional support, and better knowledge of available support services. Among participants attending psychological group sessions, 82.6% – 87% reported improved knowledge of where to seek help in the event of poor emotional well-being, increased hope of overcoming difficulties, and reduced anxiety and stress. Among respondents who received case management consultations, 92% – 94.9% reported receiving emotional support, improved emotional well-being, and better knowledge of available support services. The most frequently reported barriers to seeking help were fear of what others might think (35.9%), unwillingness to be perceived as mentally unstable (28.8%), and the belief that their problems were “not serious enough” to require professional help (24.6%).
Conclusions. Service users evaluated the services provided within the Kaunas City Suicide Prevention Model positively. Respondents reported improvements in emotional well-being, emotional support, and knowledge of available support services. Nevertheless, stigmatizing attitudes and fear of negative evaluation by others remain important barriers to seeking psychological help.
