Intimate Relationships Buffer Suicidality in National Guard Service Members: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Objective Members of the U.S. military are at a high suicide risk. While studies have examined predictors of suicide in the U.S. military, more studies are needed which examine protective factors for suicide. Informed by the interpersonal theory of suicide, this study examined the strength of the intimate relationship and its role as a buffer of suicidality in National Guard service members. Method A total of 712 National Guard residing in a Midwestern state, who had all recently returned home from a deployment, took part in this study and completed surveys at 6 and 12 months postdeployment. They were assessed on suicide risk, mental health (depression, post‐traumatic stress disorder, anxiety), and relationship satisfaction. Results Lower relationship satisfaction and more depressive symptoms at the 6‐month assessment were significantly related to greater suicide risk at 12 months. Each interaction between couple satisfaction and three mental health variables (PTSD, depression, and anxiety) at the 6‐month assessment was significantly associated with suicide risk at 12 months. Conclusions The strength of the intimate relationship serves as a buffer for suicide in National Guard service members who have PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Interventions that strengthen these intimate relationships could reduce suicide in service members.

Lower intimate relationship satisfaction among partnered female service members/veterans is associated with the presence of suicidal ideation

“…Our findings contradicted the findings from Blow et al (2018), who observed that higher PTSD and depression severity, coupled with lower intimate relationship satisfaction, increased risk for suicide. It is possible that the association of relationship satisfaction with suicidal ideation differs by gender.…”

“…Findings revealed that lower intimate relationship satisfaction was associated with the presence of suicidal ideation above and beyond the effects of PTSD, depression, and covariates. These findings are consistent with leading theories that highlight the contribution of interpersonal distress on suicide risk (e.g., Joiner, 2005), and previous findings showing that interpersonal distress can elevate suicide risk (Blais et al, 2018; Blow et al, 2018; Bush et al, 2013; Griffith, 2012). Higher depression and PTSD severity were also associated with the presence of suicidal ideation, which is consistent with previous research in military samples (Elbogen et al, 2018; Langhinrichsen‐Rohling et al, 2011; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2019b).…”

“…Unfortunately, poor interpersonal functioning is considered a key risk factor for suicide (e.g., see review, Chu et al, 2017; Joiner, 2005; Till, Tran, & Niederkrotenthaler, 2017). Among SM/Vs, interpersonal risk factors for suicidal ideation and attempts include lower intimate relationship satisfaction (Blow, Farero, Ganoczy, Walters, & Valenstein, 2018; LaCroix et al, 2018; Langhinrichsen‐Rohling, Snarr, Slep, Heyman, & Foran, 2011), interpersonal distress with loved ones (Griffith, 2012), relationship failures (Bush et al, 2013), and lower sexual function (Blais, Monteith, & Kugler, 2018). Recent research further suggests that risk for suicidal ideation and attempt may be particularly heightened among SM/Vs reporting a combination of lower relationship satisfaction and higher posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression severity (Blow et al, 2018).…”

Higher anhedonia and dysphoric arousal relate to lower relationship satisfaction among trauma‐exposed female service members/veterans

“…Moreover, civilian research shows that the prevalence rate for PTSD among females is higher than the prevalence rate observed in males (see reviews, Brewin, Andrews, & Valentine, 2000; Ditlevsen & Elklit, 2012; Greene, Neria, & Gross, 2016; McLean & Anderson, 2009; Tolin & Foa, 2006), which may be due, in part, to having a higher likelihood of exposure to sexual violence (Frans, Rimmö, Åberg, & Fredrikson, 2005; Perrin et al, 2014). Finally, satisfying romantic relationships can buffer against suicidal ideation (e.g., Blow, Ganoczy, Walters, & Valenstein, 2018) and psychological distress (e.g., Taft et al, 2011), and emerging data reveals that among female SM/Vs, poorer relationship satisfaction is associated with increased suicide risk above and beyond the effects of PTSD and depression (Blais, 2019a). These studies highlight the critical need to further understand the association of PTSD symptom clusters and relationship satisfaction in females.…”

The Main Factors and Personality Characteristics to Predict the Risk of Suicide by Military Personnel in Hostilities

“…Post-deployment studies of U.S. National Guard personnel have found that good intimate relationships are associated with all mental health indicators -PTSD, depression, and anxiety (Blow et al, 2019). Therefore, interventions that promote the strengthening of intimate interpersonal relationships have the potential to reduce military suicide rates.…”