Suicide Risk Among Rural Veterans: Application of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Suicide rates among veterans are routinely higher than among civilians. Notably, rural veterans appear to be at an even greater risk than urban veterans. Though researchers have endeavored to understand veteran suicide through the lens of the interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS), none have done so...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of rural mental health 2021-10, Vol.45 (4), p.281-287
Main Authors: Compton, Sidonia E., Houtsma, Claire, Boffa, Joseph W., Parkin, Stacy L., Carroll, Michele, Constans, Joseph I., Franklin, C. Laurel, Raines, Amanda M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Belonging
Female
Human
Male
Military Veterans
Mortality Rate
Outpatient
Psychological Theories
Risk Factors
Rural Environments
Suicidal Ideation
Suicidality
Suicidology
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Suicide rates among veterans are routinely higher than among civilians. Notably, rural veterans appear to be at an even greater risk than urban veterans. Though researchers have endeavored to understand veteran suicide through the lens of the interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS), none have done so with rural samples. This study evaluated the contribution of two IPTS constructs, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, to suicide risk in a sample of rural veterans. The sample included 100 veterans receiving psychological services at a rural Veterans Affairs (VA) community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) in Louisiana. To assist with diagnostic clarification and treatment planning, veterans completed a brief battery of self-report questionnaires. Consistent with emerging evidence, perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness, predicted suicidal ideation, plans, preparations, and intent after controlling for depression symptom severity. Contrary to theory and hypothesis, the synergistic interaction of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness was nonsignificant. Future efforts toward developing scalable interventions that target perceived burdensomeness may help reduce suicide rates among this at-risk subpopulation. Public Health Significance Statement Perceived burdensomeness, or the belief that one's death is worth more than their life, predicts suicide risk in rural veterans. Interventions that target perceived burdensomeness may help reduce suicide rates in this vulnerable subpopulation.
ISSN:1935-942X
2163-8969
DOI:10.1037/rmh0000189