Premilitary suicidal ideation, combat exposure, and posttraumatic stress disorder as predictors of recent suicidal ideation in OEF/OIF era veterans

Abstract

There has been an alarming increase in suicidal ideation and suicide among military personnel and veterans since the commencement of the wars in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom; OEF) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom; OIF). Research suggests suicidal ideation as the single best predictor of suicide. Recent studies on suicidality (i.e., suicidal ideation, suicide plans, suicide attempts) have focused on identifying risk factors that place military personnel and veterans at the greatest risk of experiencing suicidal ideation. The current study sought to provide further empirical evidence and clarification of the association between recent suicidal ideation among OEF/OIF era veterans and several previously identified risk factors (i.e., PTSD, combat exposure, and demographic variables). Primarily, we examined whether premilitary suicidal ideation was a risk factor for recent suicidal ideation while controlling for previously identified risk factors. Lastly, this study sought to identify which risk factors place veterans at the greatest risk of experiencing suicidal ideation. Simultaneous multiple regression and hierarchical multiple regression results revealed that PTSD severity, racial minority status, and premilitary suicidal ideation were significant predictors of recent suicidal ideation. When controlling for previously identified risk factors, premilitary suicidal ideation was still a significant predictor of recent suicidal ideation. PTSD severity was found to be the best predictor of recent suicidal ideation, followed by premilitary suicidal ideation. Study findings suggest that premilitary suicidal ideation is an important factor to consider in veterans mental health when addressing suicidality. As such, further research dedicated to exploring the association of premilitary suicidal ideation with veteran suicidality is warranted.