Understanding Capability and Suicidal Ideation among First Responders

Abstract

Objective

The present study seeks to determine differences in lifetime suicidal ideation, dispositional capability, acquired capability, and practical capability among those who have and have not served as first responders, and among subgroups of first responders.

Methods

Data were collected as part of a large online (n = 3,500) study seeking to understand firearm ownership in the United States. Participants were recruited via Qualtrics Panels and were demographically matched to the 2010 US census. Binary logistic regressions and an exploratory multinomial logistic regression examined differences between first responders and non-first responders and among subgroups of first responders.

Results

First responders reported more lifetime suicidal ideation and higher acquired, practical, and dispositional capability than did non-first responders. Findings indicated that first responders with and without military affiliation did not differ in terms of suicidal ideation or capability for suicide. Lastly, law enforcement officers (LEOs) reported more lifetime suicidal ideation than emergency medical technicians (EMTs). LEOs, EMTs, and firefighters did not differ in terms of capability for suicide.

Discussion

The findings highlight that suicidal ideation and capability for suicide differ between first responders and non-first responders and among subgroups of first responders. The mechanisms driving the increased rates of suicidal ideation and capability among first responders are unknown; however, it is likely due to a combination of personal and occupational factors. Although not without its limitations, the present study provides an understanding of suicide risk among first responders.

Keywords:

• Capability
• first responders
• suicidal ideation

AUTHOR NOTES

Allison E. Bond, Psychology, New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway, NJ, USA. Rutgers University Department of Psychology, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.

Michael D. Anestis, New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway, NJ, USA. Rutgers University Department of Public Health, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.

Notes

1 A regression, covarying for current and former status of first responders was also conducted and findings did not change.

2 A MANCOVA, covarying for current and former status of first responders, gender, race, and residential location was also conducted and findings did not change.