Our Mission is to review videos in a constructive way so that others have guidance in choosing videos to appropriately meet their needs.
The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is frequently asked for recommendations for appropriate suicide prevention videos for different kinds of audiences. In an effort to respond to these requests, a volunteer committee of individuals experienced in suicide related education has established the following criteria to help give others an objective basis for choosing a video to fit their needs. The steps are outlined below.
Before Viewing a Video
1. READ the explanations for the criteria
3. FILL IN as much program information as possible before watching it
4. VIEW the video with a copy of the evaluation at hand for reference.
How to Rate the Video
1. COMPLETE PART A, THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT CHECK LIST. If a video can’t meet these four basic requirements, it should not be considered worth recommending. All four statements should be checked “yes.” If not, stop here!
2. COMPLETE PART B, THE QUALITY CHECK LIST. It is designed to further evaluate a video for the quality of its content and ability to make a difference through affecting the viewers’ attitudes, behaviors and skills to prevent suicide. Questions 5-15 should be answered on a scale of 1-4: 1=poor, 2=fair, 3=good and 4=excellent.
3. TOTAL THE QUALITY CHECK LIST SCORE. If the total score is 1-24, the video is not recommended; if 25-35, the video has reached the “good” range; a score of 36-44 is in the “excellent” range. This scale offers a consistent way of comparing videos.
4. RECORD OTHER FACTORS. List any other factors that might confirm or contradict your final rating of the video and be of interest to other individuals.
5. RECORD YOUR NAME AND DATE OF REVIEW. The final score and the other influencing factors will serve to guide those selecting videos. Previewing before purchase is always suggested.
