A performing arts intervention to decrease suicide stigma on campus: A three time point assessment of “Every Brilliant Thing”

TL;DR

A performing arts show called 'Every Brilliant Thing' was used to reduce suicide stigma on a university campus, with results showing a slight decrease in stigma after the performance.

Contribution

This study demonstrates the potential of interactive performing arts to reduce suicide-related stigma in a university setting.

Findings

A slight decrease in suicide stigma was observed immediately after the performance.

The reduction in stigma was maintained at a 30-day follow-up for the overall scale.

The study highlights the role of the arts in addressing sensitive mental health topics.

Abstract

Suicidality is stigmatized, with discussions on the topic considered taboo by some. Fine arts may tackle subjects that people find hard to address. In 2024, a tour of “Every Brilliant Thing,” an interactive performance that introduces the topics of suicidality and suicide loss, was held on a university campus. During campuswide performances, attendees were recruited to complete anonymous self-report surveys that captured the Stigma of Suicide Scale Short Form at: Pre-Performance, Post-Performance, and 30-Day Follow-Up. Analysis of Variance with Bonferroni test for post hoc analysis examined differences in the stigma of suicide between the three timepoints. There were 196 responses at Pre-Performance, 151 responses at Post-Performance, and 104 responses at 30-Day Follow-Up. Most of the sample self-identified as female/woman (77.6%) and White (82.7%). A slight mean decrease was identified in scores for the Stigma of Suicide Scale Short Form: Overall and the Stigma of Suicide Scale Short Form: Stigma Subscale from pre-performance to post-performance. A slight decrease in the Stigma of Suicide Scale Short Form: Overall was also identified from the pre-performance timepoint to the 30-day follow-up timepoint. Considering the lifesaving importance of addressing the stigma of suicide and the innumerable persons in need of services, the fine arts can be an essential tool to reduce stigma.

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