Posttraumatic growth as protection against suicidal ideation after deployment and combat exposure

An upward trend of suicides has emerged in the U.S. military, and record high suicide rates have been reported. There is abundant evidence of the negative consequences of trauma, especially posttraumatic stress disorder, as risk factors for suicide. However, stressful events and trauma sometimes can have positive psychological consequences, commonly labeled posttraumatic growth (PTG). Little formal research has examined the role of PTG in moderating suicide in the military. We examined the relationship between PTG and suicidal ideation in data reported by 5302 service members with war zone or combat experience completing the Army's Automated Behavioral Health Clinic electronic screening. Controlling for other known risk factors for suicide, we found that the more PTG service members reported, the less suicidal ideation they subsequently espoused. Our results suggest the need for further research to determine the potential clinical value of PTG as a therapeutic component of suicide prevention.