Citation

Compton SE, Houtsma C, Boffa JW, Parkin SL, Carroll M, Constans JI, Franklin CL, Raines AM. J. Rural Ment. Health 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, National Association for Rural Mental Health, Publisher American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/rmh0000189

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Suicide rates among veterans are routinely higher than among civilians. Notably, rural veterans appear to be at an even greater risk than urban veterans. Though researchers have endeavored to understand veteran suicide through the lens of the interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS), none have done so with rural samples. This study evaluated the contribution of two IPTS constructs, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, to suicide risk in a sample of rural veterans. The sample included 100 veterans receiving psychological services at a rural Veterans Affairs (VA) community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) in Louisiana. To assist with diagnostic clarification and treatment planning, veterans completed a brief battery of self-report questionnaires. Consistent with emerging evidence, perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness, predicted suicidal ideation, plans, preparations, and intent after controlling for depression symptom severity. Contrary to theory and hypothesis, the synergistic interaction of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness was nonsignificant. Future efforts toward developing scalable interventions that target perceived burdensomeness may help reduce suicide rates among this at-risk subpopulation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Language: en

Keywords

Belonging; Military Veterans; Mortality Rate; Psychological Theories; Risk Factors; Rural Environments; Suicidal Ideation; Suicidality; Suicidology