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Understanding processes that advance suicidal behavior among Israeli active duty soldiers: A mediation model
Limor Goldner1, Leah Shelef2, Becky Amit Goldstein2,3
1School of Creative Arts Therapies, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|August 11, 2021
Summary
This study reveals that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotion regulation difficulties directly impact suicidal ideation and self-injury in soldiers. Indirectly, habituation and risk-taking behaviors mediate these effects, highlighting key areas for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Military Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Suicidal behaviors represent a significant concern in military populations.
- Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal ideation (SI) are critical precursors to completed suicide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors and mechanisms contributing to NSSI and SI in Israeli active-duty soldiers.
- To examine the mediating roles of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, emotion-regulation difficulties, habituation, and risk-taking behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A mediation model was employed with a sample of 553 Israeli active-duty soldiers.
- Statistical analyses investigated direct and indirect effects between psychological factors and self-injurious behaviors.
Main Results:
- Direct effects were observed between PTSD symptoms and NSSI/SI.
- Emotion regulation difficulties showed direct effects on self-injury.
- Indirect effects linked PTSD symptoms to NSSI via habituation and risk-taking.
- Difficulties in emotion regulation indirectly influenced NSSI through risk-taking behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians should assess PTSD symptoms and emotion regulation difficulties in soldiers.
- Interventions should focus on reducing access to thrill-seeking and habituation-inducing situations to mitigate suicidal behaviors.
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