Citation

Langford L, Litts D, Pearson JL. Am. J. Public Health 2013; 103(1): 31-38.

Affiliation

Linda Langford and David Litts are with the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, Education Development Center Inc., Waltham, MA. Jane L. Pearson is with the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, American Public Health Association)

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2012.300905

PMID

23153130

Abstract

Concern about suicide in US military and veteran populations has prompted efforts to identify more effective prevention measures. Recent expert panel reports have recommended public communications as one component of a comprehensive effort. Messaging about military and veteran suicide originates from many sources and often does not support suicide prevention goals or adhere to principles for developing effective communications. There is an urgent need for strategic, science-based, consistent messaging guidance in this area. Although literature on the effectiveness of suicide prevention communications for these populations is lacking, this article summarizes key findings from several bodies of research that offer lessons for creating safe and effective messages that support and enhance military and veteran suicide prevention efforts. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print November 15, 2012: e1-e8. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2012.300905).

Language: en