View in EDS HTML Full Text PDF Full Text

Religion, spirituality, and suicide risk in Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Religion, spirituality, and suicide risk in Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans.
Authors: Smigelsky, Melissa A. (AUTHOR), Jardin, Charles (AUTHOR), Nieuwsma, Jason A. (AUTHOR), Brancu, Mira (AUTHOR), Meador, Keith G. (AUTHOR), Molloy, Kiera G. (AUTHOR), Elbogen, Eric B. (AUTHOR), VA Mid-Atlantic MIRECC Workgroup (CORPORATE AUTHOR)
Source: Depression & Anxiety (1091-4269). Aug2020, Vol. 37 Issue 8, p728-737. 10p. 4 Charts.
Subjects: Veterans, Attempted suicide, Spirituality, Suicide, Psychiatric research, Suicide risk factors, Religious psychology
Geographic Terms: Afghanistan, Iraq, Middle Atlantic States
Abstract: Background: United States military veterans experience disproportionate rates of suicide relative to the general population. Evidence suggests religion and spirituality may impact suicide risk, but less is known about which religious/spiritual factors are most salient. The present study sought to identify the religious/spiritual factors most associated with the likelihood of having experienced suicidal ideation and attempting suicide in a sample of recent veterans.Methods: Data were collected from 1002 Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans (Mage  = 37.68; 79.6% male; 54.1% non-Hispanic White) enrolled in the ongoing Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center multi-site Study of Post-Deployment Mental Health.Results: In multiple regression models with stepwise deletion (p < .05), after controlling for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses, independent variables that demonstrated a significant effect on suicidal ideation were perceived lack of control and problems with self-forgiveness. After controlling for age, PTSD diagnosis, and substance use problems, independent variables that demonstrated a significant effect on suicide attempt history were perceived as punishment by God and lack of meaning/purpose.Conclusions: Clinical screening for spiritual difficulties may improve detection of suicidality risk factors and refine treatment planning. Collaboration with spiritual care providers, such as chaplains, may enhance suicide prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Depression & Anxiety (1091-4269) is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Description
Abstract:<bold>Background: </bold>United States military veterans experience disproportionate rates of suicide relative to the general population. Evidence suggests religion and spirituality may impact suicide risk, but less is known about which religious/spiritual factors are most salient. The present study sought to identify the religious/spiritual factors most associated with the likelihood of having experienced suicidal ideation and attempting suicide in a sample of recent veterans.<bold>Methods: </bold>Data were collected from 1002 Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans (Mage  = 37.68; 79.6% male; 54.1% non-Hispanic White) enrolled in the ongoing Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center multi-site Study of Post-Deployment Mental Health.<bold>Results: </bold>In multiple regression models with stepwise deletion (p < .05), after controlling for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses, independent variables that demonstrated a significant effect on suicidal ideation were perceived lack of control and problems with self-forgiveness. After controlling for age, PTSD diagnosis, and substance use problems, independent variables that demonstrated a significant effect on suicide attempt history were perceived as punishment by God and lack of meaning/purpose.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Clinical screening for spiritual difficulties may improve detection of suicidality risk factors and refine treatment planning. Collaboration with spiritual care providers, such as chaplains, may enhance suicide prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:10914269
DOI:10.1002/da.23013