Citation

Weber DM, Halverson TF, Daruwala SE, Pugh MJ, Calhoun PS, Beckham JC, Kimbrel NA. Arch. Suicide Res. 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2023.2237097

PMID

37548583

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Research indicates that being married is associated with reduced risk of suicide and self-directed violence (SDV) relative to being divorced. Simultaneously, difficulties within relationships predict poorer health outcomes. However, research on relationship status rarely examines relationship functioning, obfuscating the joint contribution of these variables for SDV risk.

METHOD: Veterans (N = 1,049) completed a survey that included assessment of relationship status, relationship functioning, and SDV history. Logistic regression models tested how (a) relationship status, (b) relationship dysfunction, and (c) being divorced compared to being in a low- or high-dysfunction relationship were associated with SDV, controlling for several intrapersonal risk factors.

RESULTS: Veterans in a relationship did not differ in SDV history compared to divorced/separated veterans. However, more dysfunction within relationships was associated with greater odds of a history of SDV and suicidal cognitions. Finally, SDV histories were more likely among veterans endorsing high-dysfunction relationships compared with (a) low-dysfunction relationships and (b) divorced veterans.

CONCLUSION: It may be insufficient to only consider relationship status when evaluating interpersonal risk factors for SDV. A single item assessing relationship dysfunction was associated with enacted SDV and suicidal cognitions over and above intrapersonal risk factors. Integrating such single-item measures into clinical practice could improve identification and subsequent tailored intervention for veterans at greater risk for SDV.

Language: en

Keywords

suicide; Marital status; NSSI; relationships; relationship functioning; self-directed violence