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The Development of the CAIRDE General Awareness Training

Author

Listed:
  • Jack Sweeney

    (The National Centre for Men’s Health, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, South East Technological University, Kilkenny Road Campus, Kilkenny Road, R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland)

  • Noel Richardson

    (The National Centre for Men’s Health, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, South East Technological University, Kilkenny Road Campus, Kilkenny Road, R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland)

  • Paula Carroll

    (The National Centre for Men’s Health, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, South East Technological University, Kilkenny Road Campus, Kilkenny Road, R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland)

  • P. J. White

    (The National Centre for Men’s Health, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, South East Technological University, Kilkenny Road Campus, Kilkenny Road, R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland)

  • Emilie Roche

    (The National Centre for Men’s Health, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, South East Technological University, Kilkenny Road Campus, Kilkenny Road, R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland)

  • Shane O’Donnell

    (The National Centre for Men’s Health, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, South East Technological University, Kilkenny Road Campus, Kilkenny Road, R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland)

Abstract

Suicide is a leading cause of death among construction workers, particularly younger and lower-skilled employees. Barriers such as stigma, low mental health literacy, and traditional masculine norms hinder help-seeking in this male-dominated sector. Few mental health interventions are tailored to this context. This study developed a co-designed, theory-informed training to improve mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and increase help-seeking among construction workers in Ireland. Using the Medical Research Council’s framework, the training was developed with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Behavior Change Techniques, and extensive stakeholder co-design. Two systematic reviews, a broad literature review, and focus groups with industry managers informed the content and structure. The training will be pilot-tested using validated measures: the Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS), the Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS), and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ), the results of which will be the subject of a separate study. CAIRDE is a promising, evidence-based training that addresses key mental health barriers in Irish construction. Embedding the TPB within a co-design methodology has resulted in the development of a training program that is underpinned by theoretical fidelity and cultural relevance and provides a framework for other male-dominated industries to draw upon. Future work should address remaining challenges related to stigma and help-seeking, and explore broader implementation through integration into mandatory safety training.

Suggested Citation

  • Jack Sweeney & Noel Richardson & Paula Carroll & P. J. White & Emilie Roche & Shane O’Donnell, 2025. "The Development of the CAIRDE General Awareness Training," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(8), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:8:p:1306-:d:1728808
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tania L. King & Philip J. Batterham & Helen Lingard & Jorgen Gullestrup & Chris Lockwood & Samuel B. Harvey & Brian Kelly & Anthony D. LaMontagne & Allison Milner, 2019. "Are Young Men Getting the Message? Age Differences in Suicide Prevention Literacy among Male Construction Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-12, February.
    2. Simon Tyler & Kate Gunn & Adrian Esterman & Bob Clifford & Nicholas Procter, 2022. "Suicidal Ideation in the Australian Construction Industry: Prevalence and the Associations of Psychosocial Job Adversity and Adherence to Traditional Masculine Norms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-16, November.
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