Citation

Chen JI, Bozzay ML, Monahan MF, Gryglewicz K, Romero G, Steding LH, Gleason LL, Karver MS. J. Am. Coll. Health 2019; 67(3): 197-206.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Science , University of South Florida , Tampa , FL.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2018.1469500

PMID

29952727

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated mental health characteristics and beliefs of student service members/veterans (SSM/V) 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.

Language: en

Keywords

Counseling; Health Education; Mental Health; Suicide; Veterans