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Life after loss: Comparing student service member/veteran and civilian mental health characteristics among individuals exposed to death by suicide |
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| Authors: | Jason I Chen Melanie L Bozzay Maureen F Monahan Kim Gryglewicz Gabriela Romero Lindsey H Steding |
| Institution: | 1. HSR&2. D Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA;3. Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health &4. Science University, Portland, OR, USA;5. Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Science, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA;6. School of Social Work, College of Health and Public Affairs, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA;7. The Center for Child &8. Adolescent Behavioral Health, Cognitive Behavior Institute, Cranberry Township, PA, USA |
| Abstract: | Objective: This study evaluated the mental health characteristics and beliefs of student service members/veterans (SSM/Vs) who have been exposed to another’s death by suicide. Participants: A total of 39 SSM/Vs exposed to suicide and 32 SSM/Vs not exposed to suicide were sampled from a larger, epidemiological survey. An age- and gender-matched group of 39 civilian (C) students was drawn from a larger sample of individuals exposed to suicide. Methods: Data were collected as part of an Internet-based, campus needs survey that occurred in Fall 2014. Participants were asked to complete measures about suicide-related behaviors, suicide prevention, help-seeking, and demographics. Results: SSM/Vs exposed to suicide had more positive mental health/suicide prevention beliefs than SSM/Vs not exposed to suicide. Cs exposed to suicide were not significantly different from either group. Unique help-seeking patterns were also identified. Conclusions: The current study identifies unique characteristics of SSM/Vs exposed to suicide that may inform prevention programming. |
| Keywords: | Counseling health education mental health suicide veterans |