OBJECTIVE: To estimate a network model of risk and resilience factors of suicidal ideation among veterans.
METHODS: Two network models of suicidal ideation among OIF/OEF/OND veterans (N = 276) incorporated key disorders, traumatic stress, and resilience constructs to contextualize suicidal ideation.
RESULTS: Childhood trauma was positively connected with suicidal ideation and harassment and inversely connected with social support and distress tolerance. This exemplifies long-lasting associations between childhood trauma and re-victimization, emotion regulation, and ability to form supportive social relationships. A subsequent model including lower-order facets indicated that combat trauma was predominantly associated with PTSD-intrusion symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of addressing both risk and resilience to reduce suicide risk among veterans and increases understanding of factors that contribute to suicidal ideation.