Citation

Adler A, Chadhury S, Stanley B, Ghahramanlou-Holloway M, Bush A, Brown GK. Mil. Psychol. 2018; 30(2): 87-97.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08995605.2017.1420979

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the use of strategies for managing suicide-related events (SREs; i.e., suicide deaths, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation with a plan and intent to die) during deployment from the perspective of Army decision makers: behavioral health providers (BHPs), chaplains, and leaders. A total of 76 Army personnel participated in individual interviews or focus groups. Participants identified unit watch, weapon removal, medical evacuations, and debriefings as common strategies used to manage SREs in deployed settings. Many of these strategies were highlighted as short-term solutions only. Participants also underscored the importance of unit cohesion and communication among leaders, BHPs, and chaplains to effectively manage SREs. The need for structured guidelines for successfully managing SREs in deployed settings is discussed. © 2018, © 2018 Society for Military Psychology, Division 19 of the American Psychological Association.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; decision making; military; deployment