1
|
Weber DM, Halverson TF, Daruwala SE, Pugh MJ, Calhoun PS, Beckham JC, Kimbrel NA. Love Is Not All You Need: Understanding the Association Between Relationship Status and Relationship Dysfunction With Self-Directed Violence in Veterans. Arch Suicide Res 2024; 28:844-859. [PMID: 37548583 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2023.2237097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research indicates that being married is associated with reduced risk of suicide and self-directed violence (SDV) relative to being divorced. Simultaneously, difficulties within relationships predict poorer health outcomes. However, research on relationship status rarely examines relationship functioning, obfuscating the joint contribution of these variables for SDV risk. METHOD Veterans (N = 1,049) completed a survey that included assessment of relationship status, relationship functioning, and SDV history. Logistic regression models tested how (a) relationship status, (b) relationship dysfunction, and (c) being divorced compared to being in a low- or high-dysfunction relationship were associated with SDV, controlling for several intrapersonal risk factors. RESULTS Veterans in a relationship did not differ in SDV history compared to divorced/separated veterans. However, more dysfunction within relationships was associated with greater odds of a history of SDV and suicidal cognitions. Finally, SDV histories were more likely among veterans endorsing high-dysfunction relationships compared with (a) low-dysfunction relationships and (b) divorced veterans. CONCLUSION It may be insufficient to only consider relationship status when evaluating interpersonal risk factors for SDV. A single item assessing relationship dysfunction was associated with enacted SDV and suicidal cognitions over and above intrapersonal risk factors. Integrating such single-item measures into clinical practice could improve identification and subsequent tailored intervention for veterans at greater risk for SDV.
Collapse
|
2
|
Livingston WS, Blais RK. Military sexual trauma and lower relationship satisfaction are associated with suicide risk among male service members and veterans. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1355355. [PMID: 38881545 PMCID: PMC11176543 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1355355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Male service members/veterans die by suicide at increased rates relative to civilians and females in the military, with risk increasing following military sexual trauma (MST) exposure. Suicide theories emphasize the role of feeling connected to others, and in the context of romantic relationships, it is possible that higher relationship satisfaction buffers the effects of MST. That said, MST exposure is associated with higher relationship distress, so the potential buffering effects are unclear. The current brief report assessed the interaction of relationship satisfaction and MST exposure as correlates of suicide risk among a convenience sample of 290 partnered male service members/veterans. This secondary analysis utilized a survey to assess MST exposure, relationship satisfaction, suicide risk, and demographics. Using linear regression, suicide risk was regressed on MST exposure, relationship satisfaction, and their interaction, as well as demographic covariates. The average score for relationship satisfaction suggested distressed relationships (M=13.41, SD= 4.55) and 16.21% (n=47) reported MST. Suicide risk was elevated (M=5.95, SD=3.23). The linear regression revealed that MST exposure (B=1.21, p=.02) and lower relationship satisfaction (B=-0.97, p<.001) were individually associated with higher suicide risk; however, their interaction was non-significant (p>.05). MST exposure and satisfaction in one's romantic relationship have unique and separate associations with suicide risk. Relationship satisfaction did not buffer the effects of MST on suicide, and this may be due to overall poor satisfaction scores. Notwithstanding, findings highlight the need to address both MST exposure and relationship satisfaction to reduce risk of suicide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca K Blais
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Livingston WS, Tannahill HS, Meter DJ, Fargo JD, Blais RK. The Association of Military Sexual Harassment/Assault With Suicide Ideation, Plans, Attempts, and Mortality Among US Service Members/Veterans: A Meta-Analysis. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2616-2629. [PMID: 35763372 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221109790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Suicide rates continue to increase among service members/veterans. Military sexual harassment/assault (MSH/A) may increase risk of suicide, but little is known about the collective magnitude of associations between MSH/A and suicide outcomes, including ideation, plan, attempt, and mortality. The current meta-analysis addressed this literature gap while testing potential moderators of gender, marital status, discharge status, and military branch. PsycINFO, PubMed, Dissertations/Theses, relevant citation lists, and conference brochures were reviewed for papers that included quantitative analyses in English, U.S. military samples, and measures of MSH/A and suicide ideation/plan/attempt/mortality. The search resulted in 22 studies (N = 10,898,875) measuring the association of MSH/A with suicide ideation (k = 15), plans (k = 1), attempts (k = 14), and mortality (k = 2), with papers published from 2007-2021. MSH/A was associated with suicide ideation (r ¯ = .14) and attempts (r ¯ = .11, ps < .05). The association of MSH/A and suicide ideation and attempts was higher among women relative to men, those identifying as married versus not married, those actively serving compared to discharged, and those reporting service in the Air Force relative to all other branches. The association of MSH/A with suicide plans and mortality was not calculated due to the small number of studies reporting those effect sizes (ks = 1-2). The effect sizes observed suggest MSH/A is part of a larger network of risk factors for suicide. Moderators indicate that suicide risk is higher among specific groups, and prevention strategies would be most effective if they targeted these individuals. This research area would be strengthened by additional studies of plans and mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Diana J Meter
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Jamison D Fargo
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Rebecca K Blais
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University,Tempe, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
DuBois D, Richmond R, Stephanie Roberts L, Mahar A, Fear N, Gill K, Samantha Leroux J, Cramm H. A scoping review of military and Veteran families within international suicidality and suicide prevention research. Prev Med Rep 2023; 33:102206. [PMID: 37223562 PMCID: PMC10201831 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The impacts of suicidality on families are well known, which is particularly relevant in at-risk populations, such as active duty military personnel and Veteran communities. This scoping review describes how military and Veteran families have been conceptualized within suicide prevention research. A systematic, multi-database search was conducted, and 4,835 studies were screened. All included studies underwent quality assessment. Bibliographic, participant, methodological, and family-relevant data was extracted and descriptively analyzed into Factors, Actors, and Impacts. In total, 51 studies (2007 - 2021) were included. Most studies focused on suicidality rather than suicide prevention. Factor studies described family constructs as a suicidality risk or protective factor for military personnel or Veterans. Actor studies described families' roles or responsibilities to act in relation to the suicidality of military personnel or Veterans. Impacts studies described the impacts of suicidality on military and Veteran family members. The search was limited to English language studies. There were few studies on suicide prevention interventions for or including military and Veteran family members. Family was typically considered peripheral to the military personnel or Veteran experiencing suicidality. However, there was also emerging evidence of suicidality and its consequences in military-connected family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise DuBois
- Families Matter Research Group, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Rachel Richmond
- Families Matter Research Group, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Lauren Stephanie Roberts
- Families Matter Research Group, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Alyson Mahar
- Max Rady College of Medicine, Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Ontario R3E 3P5, Canada
| | - Nicola Fear
- Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, England, United Kingdom
| | - Kamaldeep Gill
- Families Matter Research Group, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Janette Samantha Leroux
- Families Matter Research Group, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Heidi Cramm
- Families Matter Research Group, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shen Z, Lan R. Agreeableness moderates the association between intimate partner behavior control and intimacy quality. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
|
6
|
Sokol Y, Gromatsky M, Edwards ER, Greene AL, Geraci JC, Harris RE, Goodman M. The deadly gap: Understanding suicide among veterans transitioning out of the military. Psychiatry Res 2021; 300:113875. [PMID: 33901974 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the period following separation from the military, service members face the challenge of transitioning to a post-military civilian life. Some evidence suggests these transitioning Veterans are at higher risk for suicide compared with both the broader Veteran population and the United States public, yet they often do not receive adequate support and resources. In this review, we use the Three-Step Theory of suicide to outline characteristics of transitioning Veterans and the transition process that may affect suicide risk. We then highlight relevant services available to this specific subgroup of Veterans and make recommendations that address barriers to care. Cumulatively, this literature suggests transitioning Veterans fall within a "deadly gap" between the end of their military service and transition into civilian life. This "deadly gap" consists of limited psychiatric services and increased suicide risk factors which together may explain the increase in suicide during this transition period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yosef Sokol
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States.
| | - Molly Gromatsky
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States
| | - Emily R Edwards
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States
| | - Ashley L Greene
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States
| | - Joseph C Geraci
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States; Columbia University, United States; Syracuse University, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, United States
| | - Rachel E Harris
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; William Paterson University, United States
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang J, Xu X, Yang L, Wang J. Met and unmet care needs of home-living people with dementia in China: An observational study using the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 21:102-107. [PMID: 33238328 PMCID: PMC7839676 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Aim The goal of the study was to investigate the patterns of needs in older individuals with mild‐to‐moderate dementia living at home using the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly questionnaire. Methods This was a cross‐sectional study. A total of 378 home‐living residents served as the sample. The Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly questionnaire was used to analyze the needs of those receiving adequate interventions (met needs) and those without appropriate supports (unmet needs). Thereafter, the factors that correlated with total needs were determined using demographic characteristics. Results Persons with dementia (PWD) had a mean care needs of 18.5 ± 5.4 (range 5–35). Unmet needs were most common in caring for someone (65.1%), looking after the home (63.5%), self‐care (58.7%) and intimate relationships (44.4%) domains. Higher needs were significantly related to living with others than a spouse, longer length of diagnosis, older age and higher cognitive function. Conclusion Unmet needs are common in home‐living PWD. Home‐based dementia care can identify and address PWD's unmet needs by focusing on care recipients and caregivers to enable PWD to remain safely at home and improve their quality of life. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 102–107.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juxia Zhang
- Educational Department, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Neurology Department, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - LiMei Yang
- Out-Patient Department, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiancheng Wang
- Geriatrics Department, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|