Characteristics of suicide attempts associated with lethality and method: A latent class analysis of the Military Suicide Research Consortium. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gromatsky, Molly; Edwards, Emily R.; Sullivan, Sarah R.; van Lissa, Caspar J.; Lane, Robert; Spears, Angela Page; Mitchell, Emily L.; Armey, Michael F.; Cáceda, Ricardo; Goodman, Marianne
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychiatric research. Volume 149(2022)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Veterans -- Military -- Suicide attempt -- Lethality -- Disclosure -- Latent class analysis; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders -- Periodicals; Maladies mentales -- Périodiques; Psychiatry; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.02.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3956

Abstract

Abstract: While suicide prevention is a national priority, particularly among service members and veterans (SMVs), understanding of suicide-related outcomes remains poor. Person-centered approaches (e.g., latent class analysis) have promise to identify unique risk profiles and subgroups in the larger population. The current study identified latent subgroups characterized by prior self-directed violence history and proximal risk factors for suicide among suicide attempt survivors, and compared subgroups on demographics and most-lethal attempt characteristics. Participants included civilians and SMVs reporting lifetime suicide attempt(s) ( n = 2643) from the Military Suicide Research Consortium. Two classes emerged from Common Data Elements: suicide attempt and non-suicidal self-injury frequency, suicide attempt method, perceived likelihood of future suicide, suicide disclosure, suicide intent, and perceived and actual lethality of attempt. A Higher-Risk History class was characterized by greater intent to die, certainty about attempt fatality and method lethality, belief injury would be medically unfixable, and likelihood of prior non-suicidal self-injury. A Lower-Risk History class was characterized by greater ambivalence toward death and methods. Higher-Risk class members were more likely to be male, older, SMVs, have less formal education, use firearms as most-lethal attempt method, and require a higher degree of medical attention. Lower-Risk class members were more likely to be female, civilian, use cutting as most-lethal attempt method, and require less medical attention for attempts. Findings have implications for risk assessments and highlight the importance of subjective perceptions about suicidal behavior. Further investigation of real-time individual-level is necessary, especially for SMVs who may be at greatest risk for potentially lethal suicidal behavior.