Citation

Bah A, Wilson C, Fatkin L, Atkisson C, Brent E, Horton D. Mil. Med. 2011; 176(7): 731-742.

Affiliation

Lincoln University Center for Suicide Prevention Research and Studies, 319 Founders Hall, 816 Chestnut Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22128713

Abstract

This article introduces a new theoretical concept for risk assessment using social indicators and suicide acceptability variables to determine the prevalence rate of suicidal ideation and behavior within a group. Our approach focuses on the interplay of individual, social, and structural levels as possible dimensions of risk assessment for suicidal behavior. The results from our analysis within an Army community supported our theoretical framework by producing a four-factor solution, which were then incorporated into a Life Preservation Index. Structural equation modeling was used to test our theoretical model. The Life Preservation Index can be utilized as a complimentary tool for suicide risk assessment.

Language: en