Revolutionizing Suicide Resilience Assessment
Dr. Paul James "PJ" Sedillo, an associate professor at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), is making waves with his pioneering research centered on suicide resilience. Recognized by the International Journal of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (IJAHSS) as one of the top papers of 2025, Dr. Sedillo's work is redefining how we understand and assess factors related to suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
His notable contribution, the Sedillo/Comallie-Caplan (SOAR) Suicide Observation Assessment of Resiliency, operates as a novel instrument to identify both negative stressors and positive protective factors within mental health. It not only seeks to uncover the causes of suicidal ideation but also looks at what shields individuals from it. Dr. Sedillo emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring this assessment tool is effective across various demographics, including those of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and even accounting for giftedness and neurodiversity.
The Impact and Future of the SOAR Tool
The SOAR assessment tool, emerging from a thorough longitudinal retrospective study, seeks to unveil key resilient components that counteract suicidal impulses. Motivated by his journey and the disarming question "What kept me alive?" Dr. Sedillo is spearheading efforts to address mental health challenges head-on, blending personal insight with scholarly inquiry.
his research isn’t just contained within academic circles. Sedillo passionately advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and the fostering of inclusive educational environments at NMHU. Serving as the chair of the special education department, he highlights the need for students to feel supported and confident in their identities.
Moving forward, the development and optimization of the SOAR tool have seen promising results. The tool has been rigorously user-tested to ensure its design and functionality are as effective and accessible as possible. Excitingly, plans are underway to expand the research to a national scale, amplifying its potential to bring real, lasting change to how we support mental health and prevent suicide.
Dr. Sedillo’s commitment to translating research into practice showcases a profound urgency in advancing mental health solutions. For those facing crises, resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK and NMHU’s CARES hotline at (505) 454-3006 offer critical support.
