RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Suicidal or Self-Harming Ideation in Military Personnel Transitioning to Civilian Life
Mansfield, A., Bender, R., Hourani, L., & Larson, GE. (2011). Suicidal or Self-Harming Ideation in Military Personnel Transitioning to Civilian Life. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 41(4), 392-405. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1943-278X.2011.00039.x
Suicides have markedly increased among military personnel in recent years. We used path analysis to examine factors associated with suicidal/self-harming ideation among male Navy and Marine Corps personnel transitioning to civilian life. Roughly 7% of men (Sailors = 5.3%, Marines = 9.0%) reported ideation during the previous 30 days. Results suggest that combat exposure, substance abuse, and resilience are associated with suicidal ideation/self-harming thoughts through the mediation of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and/or depression symptoms. Substance abuse plays a moderating role. Resilience had a direct effect only among the Marines. Implications for improving the transition to civilian life are discussed.