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Hong YC, Chen SJ, Chang YC, Chang CW, Chiang HH. The role of alexithymia in suicide ideation among Taiwanese army military personnel: A serial mediation model investigating the effects of perceived stress and depression. Stress Health 2024:e3405. [PMID: 38660797 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining the good mental health of Taiwanese military personnel is crucial, especially in light of incidents such as the Taiwan Strait crisis. Suicide is a leading cause of death among military personnel and alexithymia is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms linking alexithymia and suicidal ideation in this psychologically burdened population remain poorly understood. In total, 863 voluntary army military personnel from Taiwanese reserve brigades and combined-arms brigades were enroled between May 2020 and February 2021. Structured questionnaires about alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and background characteristics were used. Mediation analyses were conducted to examine the serial mediation roles of perceived stress and depression in the relationship between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Significant positive correlations were observed between alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, and suicidal ideation in bivariate analyses. Serial mediation analyses revealed that alexithymia significantly predicted higher levels of perceived stress, subsequently leading to depressive symptoms, which were associated with suicidal ideation. Depression served as a significant mediator between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. The strongest mediating effect (71.4%) was observed in the pathway from alexithymia through perceived stress and depression to suicidal ideation. Limitations included the utilization of cross-sectional data and a reliance on retrospective self-report measures. Perceived stress and depression were identified as serial mediators in the association between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Clinically, it is crucial to prioritise interventions that target emotional regulation skills and assess the presence of alexithymia to effectively reduce suicidal ideation in military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chia Hong
- Department of Nursing, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sy-Jou Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Cune Chang
- Department of Mathematics, Tamkang University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hsun Chiang
- School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chao E, Chen SJ, Hong YC, Chiang HH. Influence of resilience on perceived stress and depression among Taiwanese army military personnel. Stress Health 2023; 39:1072-1081. [PMID: 37036123 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Resilience has been reported to attenuate psychological burden and promote mental health. Military personnel constitute a population with a high psychological burden and poor sleep quality and are thus at a high risk of depression. This study is aim to examine the mechanism underlying the effects of resilience on perceived stress, sleep quality, and depression among Taiwanese army military personnel. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 2020 and February 2021. Participants comprised 1505 voluntary army military service personnel aged 20 years or older; they completed self-reported questionnaires measuring their perceived stress, resilience, sleep quality, and depression. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results indicated that the association between resilience and depression was partially mediated by perceived stress and sleep quality. Perceived stress is a significant mediator on the association between resilience and depression. A high level of sleep disturbance was observed in this population and results found that sleep quality showed a slight partial mediation effect on the association between resilience and depression. Resilience can alleviate the effects of stress, which in turn alleviates depression among military personnel. Promoting resilience-enhancing education and mitigating environmental barriers to sleep is essential for reducing depressive symptoms among military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- En Chao
- Center of General Education, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sy-Jou Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chia Hong
- Department of Nursing, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hsun Chiang
- School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Mota N, Sommer JL, Bolton SL, Enns MW, El-Gabalawy R, Sareen J, MacLean MB, Hall AL, Sudom K, Silins S, Garber B, Afifi TO. Prevalence and Correlates of Military Sexual Trauma in Service Members and Veterans: Results From the 2018 Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:682-690. [PMID: 36124372 PMCID: PMC10585130 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221125292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Military sexual trauma (MST) is an ongoing problem. We used a 2002 population-based sample, followed up in 2018, to examine: (1) the prevalence of MST and non-MST in male and female currently serving members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, and (2) demographic and military correlates of MST and non-MST. METHODS Data came from the 2018 Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey (n = 2,941, ages 33 years + ). Individuals endorsing sexual trauma were stratified into MST and non-MST and compared to individuals with no sexual trauma. The prevalence of lifetime MST was computed, and correlates of sexual trauma were examined using multinomial regression analyses. RESULTS The overall prevalence of MST was 44.6% in females and 4.8% in males. Estimates were comparable between currently serving members and veterans. In adjusted models in both sexes, MST was more likely among younger individuals (i.e., 33-49 years), and MST and non-MST were more likely in those reporting more non-sexual traumatic events. Among females, MST and non-MST were more likely in those reporting lower household income, non-MST was less likely among Officers, and MST was more likely among those with a deployment history and serving in an air environment. Unwanted sexual touching by a Canadian military member or employee was the most prevalent type and context of MST. INTERPRETATION A high prevalence of MST was observed in a follow-up sample of Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans. Results may inform further research as well as MST prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Mota
- Departments of Clinical Health Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jordana L. Sommer
- Departments of Psychology and Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Shay-Lee Bolton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Murray W. Enns
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Renée El-Gabalawy
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, and Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jitender Sareen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mary Beth MacLean
- Research Directorate, Veterans Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Amy L. Hall
- Research Directorate, Veterans Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Kerry Sudom
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stacey Silins
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bryan Garber
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracie O. Afifi
- Departments of Community Health Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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Pankratz L, Sommer JL, Bolton SL, Sareen J, Enns MW, Afifi TO, El-Gabalawy R, Mota N. Prevalence and predictors of anxiety disorder courses in the Canadian Armed Forces. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 92:102612. [PMID: 36252350 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the longitudinal courses of anxiety disorders in military members. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of courses of any anxiety disorder in members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, including no lifetime, remitted, new onset, and persistent/recurrent anxiety disorder. The 2018 Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey is a 16-year follow-up of n = 2941 participants from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Canadian Forces Supplement in 2002. Diagnoses of any DSM-IV anxiety disorder (i.e., generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and/or panic disorder) in 2002 and 2018 were used to create four anxiety course groups. A large proportion of the sample (36.3 %; new onset = 24.6 %, remitting = 6.9 %, and persistent/recurrent = 4.8 %) met criteria for an anxiety disorder during one or both time points. Factors at baseline and/or between 2002 and 2018, including income, education, military rank, comorbidity of PTSD or depression, deployment history, and traumatic events, were positively associated with most anxiety courses relative to no anxiety in analyses. Targeted interventions are needed to help mitigate anxiety disorders among this population. Social support and active coping were protective factors for most anxiety courses and may need to be incorporated into targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Pankratz
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Jordana L Sommer
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada; Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada.
| | - Shay-Lee Bolton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada.
| | - Jitender Sareen
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada.
| | - Murray W Enns
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada.
| | - Tracie O Afifi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada.
| | - Renée El-Gabalawy
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada; Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada.
| | - Natalie Mota
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada; Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2, Canada.
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Sommer JL, Mota N, Thompson JM, Asmundson GJ, Sareen J, Bernstein CN, Marrie RA, El-Gabalawy R. Associations between courses of posttraumatic stress disorder and physical health conditions among Canadian military personnel. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 87:102543. [PMID: 35168002 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical health conditions commonly co-occur and are both prevalent among military personnel. This study examined how courses of PTSD (no PTSD, remitted, new onset, persistent/recurrent) are associated with physical health conditions, among a population-based sample of Canadian military personnel. METHOD We analyzed data from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health and Well-being-Canadian Forces supplement (CCHS-CF) and the 2018 Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-Up Survey (CAFVMHS; N = 2941). Multivariable logistic regressions examined associations between PTSD courses (reference = no PTSD) and physical health conditions. RESULTS In general, physical health conditions were more prevalent among symptomatic PTSD courses compared to no PTSD. After adjustment, new onset PTSD was associated with increased odds of all physical health conditions with the exception of ulcers and cancer (AOR range: 1.41-2.31) and remitted PTSD was associated with increased odds of diabetes (AOR = 2.31). CONCLUSION Results suggest that new onset PTSD may be most strongly associated with physical health conditions. Findings may inform targeted screening and intervention methods among military personnel with PTSD and physical health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana L Sommer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Manitoba, 671 William Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0Z2 Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 Canada
| | - Natalie Mota
- Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3N4 Canada
| | - James M Thompson
- Veterans Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Gordon Jg Asmundson
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2 Canada
| | - Jitender Sareen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3N4 Canada
| | - Charles N Bernstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9 Canada
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9 Canada
| | - Renée El-Gabalawy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Manitoba, 671 William Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0Z2 Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 Canada; Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3N4 Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3N4 Canada; CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0V9 Canada.
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Fear NT. The Value of Longitudinal Research and the Contribution of the Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2021; 66:940-941. [PMID: 34036841 PMCID: PMC8649813 DOI: 10.1177/07067437211019666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola T Fear
- 4616King's College London, Weston Education Centre, London, United Kingdom
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