@article{ref1,
title="Religion, spirituality, and suicide risk in Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans",
journal="Depression and anxiety",
year="2020",
author="Smigelsky, Melissa A. and Jardin, Charles and Nieuwsma, Jason A. and Brancu, Mira and Meador, Keith G. and Molloy, Kiera G. and Elbogen, Eric B.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
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. <br><br>METHODS: Data were collected from 1002 Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans (M<sub>age</sub>  = 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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<br><br>© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1091-4269",
doi="10.1002/da.23013",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/da.23013"
}