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Walsh A, Friedman K, Morrissey BH, Godin S, Morgenstein J, Bryan CJ, Anestis MD, Foley SK, Johnson RL, Baker JC, Bryan A, Betz ME, Wright-Kelly E. Project Safe Guard: Evaluating a Lethal Means Safety Intervention to Reduce Firearm Suicide in the National Guard. Mil Med 2024; 189:510-516. [PMID: 39160836 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this paper is to examine a scalable secure firearm storage intervention in the U.S. National Guard (NG) in preventing firearm injury and suicide. A study among firearm-owning members of the Mississippi NG testing Project Safe Guard (PSG), a 10 to 15 min lethal means counseling intervention, found that PSG increased self-reported secure firearm storage practices. Here, we sought to examine a "real world" rollout of a modified PSG program in the NG in which NG members were trained to understand the importance of lethal means safety and to deliver PSG to Guardsmen peers within their units. MATERIALS AND METHODS The PSG team collaborated with the NG to identify 4 states for the rollout; for each state, the NG was responsible for identifying key personnel ("facilitators") who would receive the training. Team members provided in-person training at 5 locations across 4 states (AZ, GA, IA, and NV) from January to April 2023. Attendees were provided with combination trigger locks or cable locks and evaluation instructions. Questionnaires were administered to training attendees via REDCap at pre-training and post-training. We conducted descriptive and comparison statistics of questionnaire data. RESULTS A total of 186 facilitators were trained at 5 in-person training locations across 4 states (AZ, GA, IA, and NV) from January to April 2023; data collection concluded in August 2023. There were 137 pre-training responses (74% pre-survey response rate) and 88 post-training responses (64% response rate from those who took the pre-training survey). Findings demonstrate increases in self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding firearm injury and suicide and a reported desire to store personal firearms more securely. CONCLUSION The adapted version of PSG shows promise as a relevant and acceptable intervention among Guardsmen to enhance knowledge and attitudes regarding firearm suicide, increase secure firearm storage practices, and normalize conversations about firearm suicide prevention among peers. This intervention seeks to frame firearm suicide prevention within a culture of safety, complementary to the existing prevention methods and training within the NG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Walsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Friedman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Brooke Heintz Morrissey
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Shira Godin
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Joshua Morgenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Craig J Bryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - S Kat Foley
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Justin C Baker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - AnnaBelle Bryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Erin Wright-Kelly
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Nichter B, Hill ML, Fischer I, Panza KE, Kline AC, Na PJ, Norman SB, Rowcliffe M, Pietrzak RH. Firearm storage practices among military veterans in the United States: Findings from a nationally representative survey. J Affect Disord 2024; 351:82-89. [PMID: 38280567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.179] [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] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unsafe storage of firearms is associated with increased risk of suicide.. However, contemporary population-based data on the prevalence and correlates of firearm storage practices among veterans are limited. METHODS Data were from the 2022 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, a nationally representative sample of 2441 veterans. Analyses examined: (1) the prevalence of firearm storage practices; (2) sociodemographic, psychiatric, and clinical characteristics associated with storing firearms loaded and/or in non-secure location; and (3) associations between types of potentially traumatic events and storage practices. RESULTS More than half of veterans reported owning one or more personal firearms (50.9%). Among firearm owners, 52.9% reported some form of unsafe firearm storage practice (i.e., loaded and/or non-secure location), with 39.9% reporting that they stored one or more firearms loaded. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, major depressive, alcohol and drug use disorders, direct trauma exposures, future suicidal intent, and traumatic brain injury were associated with storing firearms loaded and/or in a non-secure location (ORs = 1.09-7.16). Veterans with a history of specific forms of direct trauma exposure (e.g., physical assault) were more likely to store firearms unsafely. LIMITATIONS Cross-sectional design precludes causal inference. CONCLUSIONS Half of U.S. veterans who own firearms store at least one personal firearm loaded and/or in a non-secure location, with approximately four-in-ten keeping a loaded firearm in the home. These high rates underscore the importance of nationwide training initiatives to promote safe firearm storage for all service members and veterans, regardless of risk status, as well as for healthcare professionals working with veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Nichter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Melanie L Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ian Fischer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E Panza
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alexander C Kline
- Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA; Leidos, Reston, VA, USA
| | - Peter J Na
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sonya B Norman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, VT, USA
| | - Mara Rowcliffe
- 321(st) Special Tactics Squadron, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Walsh A, Ghahramanlou-Holloway M, Stanley IH, Betz ME, Heintz Morrissey B, Godin S, Morgenstein J, LaCroix J, Cobb E, Grammer J, Button CJ. Firearm leadership: Development, analysis, and application of a novel concept to message secure storage of firearms in the military. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38592404 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2024.2336641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.) Armed Forces. Access to firearms increases the risk of death by suicide due to the high lethality of firearm-related injuries (~90% in suicide attempts) and the highly dynamic nature of suicide which includes rapid change from low- to high-risk states. Critical gaps remain in research, programming, and communication amongst scientists, Department of Defense (DoD) programmatic leaders, front-line commanders, and service members. To enhance communication and coordination, in June 2022, the first-ever national "Firearm Suicide Prevention in the Military: Messaging and Interventions Summit" was held, with discussion of Firearm Leadership, a concept that emphasizes the importance of communication about lethal means safety (LMS) among military leaders and service members. Through a discussion of scientific literature, the points identified during the Summit, as well as presenting illustrative case examples derived from suicide death reviews, we aim to provide a conceptual model for the benefits of Firearm Leadership and how some barriers can be overcome. Following the Summit, further discussions on "Firearm Leadership" led to the development of a Firearm Leadership Factsheet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Walsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Ian H Stanley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
- Center for COMBAT Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Brooke Heintz Morrissey
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shira Godin
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joshua Morgenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jessica LaCroix
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Erin Cobb
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joseph Grammer
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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Chen O, Liu R, Zhao X. Impact of army morale on suicidal ideation: The mediating role of grit and the moderating role of social support in a Chinese Navy population. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 36:148-157. [PMID: 38377245 PMCID: PMC10880510 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2022.2151814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This study constructed a moderated mediation model to examine whether increased army morale could reduce suicidal ideation. The mediating role of grit and the moderating role of social support were also examined. A total of 1029 male navy cadets in China were recruited to complete the survey. The measures used in the study included the Army Morale Scale, Grit Scale, Social Support Scale, and Self-rated Idea of Suicide Scale. The results indicated that: increased army morale could significantly reduce suicidal ideation; the impact of army morale on suicidal ideation could be partially mediated by grit; and social support moderated the impact of army morale on suicidal ideation. Specifically, relatively higher levels of social support could reduce suicidal ideation among individuals with lower levels of army morale, but the effect is not significant when the morale is at a high level. The study revealed that increased army morale could reduce suicidal ideation. Moreover, the mediating role of grit and the moderating role of social support were also revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Outong Chen
- Department of Psychology, Normal College & School of Teacher Education, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ranran Liu
- Qingdao Branch, Naval Aeronautical University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhao
- Weifang Engineering Vocational College, Qingzhou, Shandong, China
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Chen O, Liu R, Zhao X. Role of Self-Control and Self-Construal in the Army Morale and Suicidal Ideation of Chinese Military Cadets. Front Psychol 2022; 13:904170. [PMID: 35719476 PMCID: PMC9201465 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.904170] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated the relationship between army morale and suicidal ideation in Chinese military cadets, including the mediating role of self-control and the moderating role of self-construal. A total of 1124 male navy cadets participated in the study, completing a series of questionnaires. The results revealed the following: (1) army morale could negatively predict suicidal ideation; (2) the negative predictive effect of army morale on suicidal ideation could be partially mediated by self-control; and (3) self-construal moderated the predictive effect of army morale on suicidal ideation among navy cadets. Finally, the current study suggested that building some relevant assessment, diagnostic, and training programs may help build army morale and further prevent suicidal ideation in the military context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Outong Chen
- Department of Psychology, Normal College and School of Teacher Education, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ranran Liu
- Qingdao Branch, Naval Aeronautical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhao
- Weifang Engineering Vocational College, Qingzhou, China
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Hoyt T, Richter K, Saitzyk A, Long S, Lippy R, Kennedy CH. Containing the good idea fairy: A deep dive into Navy firearms restriction policy. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2021.1897497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hoyt
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenneth Richter
- Headquarters Marine Corps, Health Services, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Arlene Saitzyk
- Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Stephanie Long
- Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel, Millington, Tennessee, USA
| | - Robert Lippy
- Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Carrie H. Kennedy
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Hoyt T, Repke D, Barry D, Baisley M, Jervis S, Black R, McCreight S, Prendergast D, Brinton C, Amin R. Development of a Leader Tool for Assessing and Mitigating Suicide Risk Factors. Mil Med 2020; 185:334-341. [PMID: 32074327 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite efforts in prevention, suicide rates in the US military remain unchanged. This article describes the development of a tool for leaders to identify and mitigate suicide risk factors. METHODS A seven-item measure, the Leader Suicide Risk Assessment Tool (LSRAT), was constructed to allow leaders to assess and mitigate suicide drivers. During a 6-mo pilot, unit leaders completed the LSRAT for 161 at-risk soldiers. The LSRAT data were compared to clinical data from a subset of these soldiers. RESULTS The LSRAT showed good test-retest reliability. The LSRAT scores showed significant correlations with both clinical and screening measures of suicidality. Command actions mitigated or partially mitigated 89% of risk factors identified on the LSRAT. CONCLUSIONS This study provides initial psychometric data on a tool that prescribes concrete responses to mitigate risk. The LSRAT may be a valid and feasible tool to assist front-line commanders in identifying potential area's risk mitigation. Synchronization efforts between commanders, clinicians, and support services are crucial to ensure effective intervention to prevent suicide behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hoyt
- Connected Health Branch, Defense Health Agency, 9933 West Hayes Street, Box 339500 MS 34, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433
| | - Diana Repke
- Department of Behavioral Health, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Avenue, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98431
| | - David Barry
- Department of Behavioral Health, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Avenue, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98431
| | - Margaret Baisley
- Connected Health Branch, Defense Health Agency, 9933 West Hayes Street, Box 339500 MS 34, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433
| | - Shellie Jervis
- 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, 3733 Stryker Avenue, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433
| | - Ryan Black
- 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, 3733 Stryker Avenue, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433
| | - Sarah McCreight
- Department of Behavioral Health, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Avenue, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98431
| | - Daniel Prendergast
- Department of Behavioral Health, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Avenue, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98431
| | - Chauncy Brinton
- Department of Behavioral Health, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Avenue, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98431
| | - Rohul Amin
- Surgeon Cell, 7th Infantry Division, Building 4290, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433
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Hoyt T, Repke DM. Development and Implementation of U.S. Army Guidelines for Managing Soldiers at Risk of Suicide. Mil Med 2019; 184:426-431. [PMID: 30901390 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usy284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite significant efforts in suicide prevention over the past several years, suicide rates in the U.S. Army remain largely unchanged. This paper describes a collaborative effort between line-unit leaders, medical personnel, and installation services to synchronize suicide risk identification and communication between these disparate entities. METHODS Under the direction of the Installation Director of Psychological Health at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a Behavioral Health Process Action Team was chartered to identify best practice and formulate policy for identifying and managing service members at risk for suicide. RESULTS Compliance with the new policy reached 100% within 6 months of implementation, as measured by peer review of records. This installation policy was subsequently identified as a best practice and adopted Army-wide as the standard of practice. DISCUSSION Knowledge transfer of research findings into policy and practice is crucial for suicide prevention. The current policy shows good integration of current research with practice in military settings. CONCLUSIONS Combined efforts in crafting policy for risk identification and communication resulted in a policy that was acceptable and feasible from the perspective of commanders and clinicians. Synchronization efforts between commanders, clinicians, and support services are crucial to ensure effective intervention to prevent suicide behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hoyt
- Connected Health Branch, Defense Health Agency, 9933 West Hayes Street, Box 339500 MS 34, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
| | - Diana M Repke
- Department of Behavioral Health, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Avenue, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
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Westefeld JS, Rinaldi AP. Suicide and the Human Service Professions in the Twenty-First Century: Current Issues and Future Directions. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2018.1490614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Houtsma C, Butterworth SE, Anestis MD. Firearm suicide: pathways to risk and methods of prevention. Curr Opin Psychol 2017; 22:7-11. [PMID: 30122279 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Firearms are utilized in approximately half of all US suicides, making them a serious public health concern and a target of suicide prevention efforts. Practical capability influences the transition from suicidal ideation to action and is particularly relevant to firearm suicide. Firearm ownership, experience using firearms, unsafe firearm storage, and high cultural acceptability of firearms increase risk for death by firearm suicide. Means safety strategies, which emphasize the reduction of practical capability for suicide through the limitation of access to and safe storage of firearms, are effective in preventing suicide and include interventions such as lethal means counseling, firearm legislation, and promoting safe storage practices. Public health interventions aimed at reducing firearm suicide are critical topics for continued research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Houtsma
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA.
| | - Sarah E Butterworth
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
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