Religion, spirituality, and suicide risk in Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans. Issue 8 (5th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smigelsky, Melissa A.; Jardin, Charles; Nieuwsma, Jason A.; Brancu, Mira; Meador, Keith G.; Molloy, Kiera G.; Elbogen, Eric B.
• Is Part Of: Depression and anxiety. Volume 37:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: 728
• Page End: 737
• Publication Date: 2020-04-05
• Subjects: chaplaincy -- coping -- moral injury -- PTSD/posttraumatic stress disorder -- religion -- resilience -- self‐harm -- spirituality -- suicide -- trauma; Anxiety -- Periodicals; Depression, Mental -- Periodicals; Depression -- Periodicals; Anxiety -- Periodicals; Anxiety Disorders -- Periodicals; 616.8527005
• DOI: 10.1002/da.23013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1091-4269

Abstract

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 ( M age = 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.