Sexual dysfunction is associated with suicidal ideation in female service members and veterans

Blais, Rebecca K.; Monteith, Lindsey L.; Kugler, Jordan

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2017.08.079

Cited by 27 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…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).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…Interestingly, very little of this extant research has examined interpersonal correlates of suicidal ideation among female SM/Vs. With the exception of Blais et al (2018), existing research has exclusively or almost exclusively focused on males. That said, Langhinrichsen‐Rohling et al (2011) examined the impact of relationship satisfaction as a risk factor for suicide and found that lower relationship satisfaction was associated with higher suicide risk in both men and women.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…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).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Blais

2020

J Clin Psychol

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Objectives: Risk for suicide among female service members/veterans (SM/Vs) is increasing, suggesting a need for additional studies of risk factors in this population. This study examined relationship satisfaction as a correlate of suicidal ideation (SI) after accounting for established risk factors for SI. Method: Partnered female SM/Vs (N = 818) completed a demographic inventory and measures of SI, relationship satisfaction, sexual function, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression.Results: After accounting for covariates, lower relationship satisfaction, higher depression and PTSD severity, and minority race were associated with the presence of SI.PTSD and depression severity did not moderate this association, suggesting that regardless of mental health symptoms, relationship satisfaction is associated with increased SI risk.Conclusions: Screening for relationship satisfaction may identify SI risk in partnered female SM/Vs. Future studies should explore relationship satisfaction as a risk factor for suicidal attempts as not all SM/Vs who experience SI will attempt suicide.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Blais

2020

J Clin Psychol

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“…Women Veterans in the VA who experienced combat frequently report sexual health issues, with low libido as the most common. 64 Blais et al 65 explored associations between sexual dysfunction and suicidal ideation in servicewomen and women Veterans. Symptoms consistent with PTSD and depression and lower sexual function were all associated with suicidal ideation, specifically difficulties with sexual arousal (aOR, 0.87, 95% CI, 0.79–0.97) and sexual satisfaction (aOR, 0.85, 95% CI, 0.75–0.96).…”

Section: Reproductive Planning and Contraceptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Deployment on Reproductive Health in U.S. Active-Duty Servicewomen and Veterans

et al. 2018

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Reproductive-age women are a fast-growing component of active-duty military personnel who experience deployment and combat more frequently than previous service-era women Veterans. With the expansion of the number of women and their roles, the United States Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have prioritized development and integration of reproductive services into their health systems. Thus, understanding associations between deployments or combat exposures and short- or long-term adverse reproductive health outcomes is imperative for policy and programmatic development. Servicewomen and women Veterans may access reproductive services across civilian and military or Veteran systems and providers, increasing the need for awareness and communication regarding deployment experiences with a broad array of providers. An example is the high prevalence of military sexual trauma reported by women Veterans and the associated mental health diagnoses that may lead to a lifetime of high risk-coping behaviors that increase reproductive health risks, such as sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and others. Care coordination models that integrate reproductive healthcare needs, especially during vulnerable times such as at the time of military separation and in the immediate postdeployment phase, may identify risk factors for early intervention with the potential to mitigate lifelong risks.

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“…MST is an interpersonal trauma that encompasses sexual violence. Previous literature has demonstrated that MST is associated with poorer sexual functioning (Blais, Geiser, et al, ; Blais, Monteith, & Kugler, ; Blais, in press; Turchik et al, ). It is possible that engaging in sexual activity is a distressing reminder to survivors of MST and institutional betrayal, which may cause some individuals to be reticent about engaging in sexual relations or to experience less‐than‐fulfilling sexual experiences.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Institutional betrayal following military sexual trauma is associated with more severe depression and specific posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters

et al. 2019

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Objective Preliminary research suggests that perceptions of institutional betrayal are associated with more severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, as well as suicide attempts in military sexual trauma (MST) survivors. However, results have not been replicated. Additionally, associations of institutional betrayal with specific PTSD symptom clusters or sexual function are understudied. Method Female service members/veterans who reported experiencing MST (N = 679) completed self‐report measures of PTSD and depression symptom severity, suicidal ideation, and sexual function. Institutional betrayal was assessed from free‐text descriptions of self‐reported index traumas. Results Institutional betrayal was significantly associated with more severe depression and PTSD symptoms, including avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, re‐experiencing, and dysphoric arousal. Conclusions Targeting specific PTSD and depressive symptoms through evidence‐based treatment may be important for managing institutional betrayal sequelae. Future research should identify specific strategies to help support survivors in their recovery following institutional betrayal.

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Sexual dysfunction is associated with suicidal ideation in female service members and veterans

Cited by 27 publications

References 41 publications

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

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

Impact of Deployment on Reproductive Health in U.S. Active-Duty Servicewomen and Veterans

Institutional betrayal following military sexual trauma is associated with more severe depression and specific posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters

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