Abstract
Objective
Trauma and stressor-related behavioral health conditions are prevalent in military populations and have become a major public health concern in recent years. Individuals who commonly report suicidal ideation often have comorbid mental health diagnoses (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder; PTSD). However, the mechanisms associated with stress, suicidal ideation, and PTSD are unclear.
Method
The present study examined the moderating role of dysfunctional and recovery cognitions between (i) PTSD and suicidal ideation, and (ii) stress and suicidal ideation in two distinct samples. Sample 1 was composed of civilians and military personnel (N = 322). Sample 2 was composed of (N = 377) student service members and veterans (SSM/Vs).
Results
In Study 1, we found that low recovery cognitions at higher and moderate levels of PTSD symptoms were significantly associated with increased suicidal ideation. High dysfunctional cognitions were significantly associated with suicidal ideation at higher levels of PTSD symptoms. In Study 2, we found no differences in any level of recovery cognitions at low and moderate stress levels with suicidal ideation. Higher levels of stress were associated with high dysfunctional cognitions and suicidal ideation.
Conclusion
Promoting higher levels of recovery cognitions and reducing dysfunctional cognitions are important in addressing stress, suicidal ideation, and comorbid conditions such as PTSD. Future research should focus on examining the clinical utility of the Dispositional Recovery and Dysfunction Inventory (DRDI) in other populations (i.e., firefighters and paramedics). This could contribute to efforts of suicide prevention and the promotion of the well-being of individuals experiencing suicidal ideation.
HIGHLIGHTS
Promoting recovery cognitions may serve as a protective factor against stress.
Dysfunctional cognitions contribute to worsening behavioral health conditions.
Suicide prevention efforts should target dysfunctional and recovery cognitions.
Keywords:
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
The data are available upon request to the corresponding author (BAM).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Kimberly D. Gomes
Kimberly D. Gomes, Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA.
Tyler L. Collette
Tyler L. Collette, Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Office of Research, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services Research, Kennesaw, GA, USA.
Michael Schlenk
Michael Schlenk, Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services Research, Kennesaw, GA, USA.
Jason Judkins
Jason Judkins, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, USA.
Israel Sanchez-Cardona
Israel Sanchez-Cardona, Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services Research, Kennesaw, GA, USA. Bianca Channer, Department of Social Work, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA.
Bianca Channer
Israel Sanchez-Cardona, Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services Research, Kennesaw, GA, USA. Bianca Channer, Department of Social Work, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA.
Patricia Ross
Patricia Ross, Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS), Atlanta, GA, USA.
George Fredrick
George Fredrick, Military and Veterans Services, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA.
Brian A. Moore
Brian A. Moore, Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services Research, Kennesaw, GA, USA.