Military Veterans' Experiences with Suicidal Ideation: Implications for Intervention and Prevention

Lauren M. Denneson; Alan R. Teo; Linda Ganzini; Drew A. Helmer; Matthew J. Bair; Steven K. Dobscha

doi:10.1111/sltb.12136

Military Veterans' Experiences with Suicidal Ideation: Implications for Intervention and Prevention

Lauren M. Denneson, Alan R. Teo, Linda Ganzini, Drew A. Helmer, Matthew J. Bair, Steven K. Dobscha

Psychiatry

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

We sought to understand Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans' experiences with suicidal ideation. Semi-structured interviews with 34 OEF/OIF veterans addressed circumstances leading up to disclosure of suicidal ideation during brief clinical assessments. We used an iterative, inductive and deductive thematic analysis approach. Results revealed three pervasive, persistent domains that reinforce the uniqueness of veteran suicidal thoughts: military culture, difficult deployment experiences, and postdeployment adjustment challenges. Within postdeployment, we identified four themes that serve as intervention targets: adjusting to civilian culture, changes to sense of self, feeling overwhelmed by stressors, and lacking life purpose or meaning.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	399-414
Number of pages	16
Journal	Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
Volume	45
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12136
State	Published - Aug 1 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Clinical Psychology
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Psychiatry and Mental health

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10.1111/sltb.12136

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abstract = "We sought to understand Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans' experiences with suicidal ideation. Semi-structured interviews with 34 OEF/OIF veterans addressed circumstances leading up to disclosure of suicidal ideation during brief clinical assessments. We used an iterative, inductive and deductive thematic analysis approach. Results revealed three pervasive, persistent domains that reinforce the uniqueness of veteran suicidal thoughts: military culture, difficult deployment experiences, and postdeployment adjustment challenges. Within postdeployment, we identified four themes that serve as intervention targets: adjusting to civilian culture, changes to sense of self, feeling overwhelmed by stressors, and lacking life purpose or meaning.",

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AU - Helmer, Drew A.

AU - Bair, Matthew J.

AU - Dobscha, Steven K.

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Military Veterans' Experiences with Suicidal Ideation: Implications for Intervention and Prevention

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