Citation

Bryan CJ, Griffith JE, Pace BT, Hinkson K, Bryan AO, Clemans TA, Imel ZE. Suicide Life Threat. Behav. 2015; 45(5): 633-649.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, American Association of Suicidology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/sltb.12163

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Due to seemingly mixed empirical results, questions persist about the possible role of deployments and combat exposure. We conducted a narrative review and meta-analysis of 22 published studies to integrate findings regarding the relationship of deployment-related predictors (i.e., deployment, deployment to a combat zone, combat experience, and exposure to specific combat events) with suicide-related outcomes (i.e., suicide ideation, attempt, and death). Across all predictors and outcomes, the combined effect was small and positive, r =.08 [0.04, 0.13], and marked by significant heterogeneity, I2 = 99.9%, Q(21)=4880.16, p <.0001, corresponding to a 25% increased risk for suicide-related outcomes among those who have deployed. Studies examining the relationship between exposure to killing and atrocities (k = 5) showed the largest combined effect, r =.12 [0.08, 0.17], and less heterogeneity, I2 = 84.4%, Q(4)=34.96, p <.0001, corresponding to a 43% increased risk for suicide-related outcomes among those exposed to killing or atrocity. Implications for theory, research, and clinical practice are discussed. © 2015 The American Association of Suicidology.

Language: en