Suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and non-suicidal self-injury among female veterans: Prevalence, timing, and onset

Monteith, Lindsey L.; Holliday, Ryan; Miller, Christin; Schneider, Alexandra L.; Hoffmire, Claire A.; Bahraini, Nazanin H.; Forster, Jeri E.

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2020.04.017

Cited by 25 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 29 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…It is well established in the literature that service women and released or retired women Veterans face distinct sex-and gender-specific risks for injuries and illnesses. 13 The reviewed research on women Veterans covers a long list of concerns: posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 38,39 depression, 40,41 selfharm and suicide, 42,43 eating disorders, 44,45 insomnia, 46,47 chronic pain conditions, 48,49 reproductive health, 50,51 sexual health, 52,53 traumatic brain injuries, 54,55 musculoskeletal conditions, 56,57 cardiovascular conditions, 58,59 irritable bowel syndrome, 60 cancer, 61,62 diabetes, 63,64 and more. Increasingly, the research recognizes the complex multi-factorial nature of women Veterans' health challenges by addressing correlates between mental and physical health conditions and delineating links to military-related factors.…”

Section: Challenges Faced By Women and Other Historically Under-represented Veteransmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mind the gap: Sex, gender, and intersectionality in military-to-civilian transitions

EichlerMaya

Smith-EvansKimberley

SpannerLeigh

et al. 2021

Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

LAY SUMMARY The authors conducted a review of existing research on sex, gender, and intersectionality in relation to military-to-civilian transition (MCT). Extensive international studies and government resources, mostly from the United States, provide insight into the potential vulnerabilities and challenges encountered by historically under-represented military members and Veterans during MCT (i.e., by women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other sexual or gender minority, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour military service members and Veterans). The reviewed sources also highlight government initiatives and tailored programs that exist internationally to address diverse Veteran needs. Canadian research and government initiatives on the topic are limited, and this gap needs to be kept in mind. To support equitable transition outcomes for all Veterans, research as well as policies, programs, and supports need to pay attention to sex and gender as well as intersecting factors such as sexuality, race, Indigeneity, and more.

show abstract

Section: Challenges Faced By Women and Other Historically Under-represented Veteransmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mind the gap: Sex, gender, and intersectionality in military-to-civilian transitions

EichlerMaya

Smith-EvansKimberley

SpannerLeigh

et al. 2021

Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…We addressed these aims with cross-sectional data from a national survey of female veterans, conducted in 2018-2019 (Monteith et al, 2020). Inclusion criteria included being a female veteran, age 18 to 89, and enrolled in VHA care.…”

Section: Participants and Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Institutional Betrayal Among Female Veterans Who Experienced Military Sexual Trauma: A Rasch Analysis of the Institutional Betrayal Questionnaire.2

Monteith

Schneider

Holliday

et al. 2021

J Interpers Violence

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Military sexual trauma (MST; i.e., sexual harassment and/or sexual assault during one’s military service) is highly prevalent among female veterans and is associated with numerous adverse health and psychosocial sequelae. When institutions fail to prevent sexual trauma from happening or respond in an unsupportive manner (i.e., institutional betrayal [IB]), MST survivors typically report more severe health-related outcomes. Although the Institutional Betrayal Questionnaire.2 (IBQ.2) was developed to assess IB, no studies have examined the factor structure or dimensionality of the IBQ.2 among MST survivors. In addition, initial research has reported differing factor structures for this measure. The present study examined the dimensionality and factor structure of the IBQ.2, and tested for differential item functioning (DIF) based on whether military sexual assault was experienced. The sample comprised 235 female veterans who reported a history of MST in an anonymous national survey. Rasch analysis suggested multidimensionality and DIF based on history of military sexual assault. Exploratory factor analysis and parallel analysis suggested the IBQ.2 comprises three factors: (1) Environment Leading to MST, (2) Institutional Response to MST, and (3) Institutional Belongingness following MST. Although these results suggest that the IBQ.2 is multidimensional, the three-factor model had significant issues with respect to dimensionality, item fit, and person separation and reliability. Thus, using the full IBQ.2 may be more advantageous. Further examination of the IBQ.2 is warranted to ensure optimal assessment of IB in relation to MST, irrespective of whether the MST comprised sexual harassment or sexual assault, as well as to ensure that the IBQ.2 is culturally meaningful for MST survivors.

show abstract

“…This has prompted recognition of the need to understand gender differences in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, risk and protective factors, suicide methods, suicide prevention preferences and needs, and efficacy and effectiveness of interventions to prevent suicide among veterans [4•, 5, 6, 7•]. It has also prompted research focused specifically on women veterans, such as examining the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [8] and understanding the acceptability of suicide risk assessment and prevention in settings where women veterans commonly use healthcare [9 •]. These initial efforts have yielded important information.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These initial efforts have yielded important information. Rates of lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempt are highly prevalent among women veterans, with 47.9% and 17.7% of women veterans in an anonymous survey reporting such experiences [8]. Women veterans also report significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt than veteran men: in a recent study of post-9/11 veterans, lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempt were, respectively, 1.2 and 2.2 times more prevalent among women compared to their men counterparts [7•].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preventing Suicide Among Women Veterans: Gender-Sensitive, Trauma-Informed Conceptualization

Monteith

Holliday

Dichter

et al. 2022

Curr Treat Options Psych

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose of Review There is growing concern regarding suicide among women veterans, who have experienced an increase in suicide rates that has exceeded that reported for other US adult populations. Recent research has bolstered understanding of correlates of suicide risk specific to women veterans. Yet most existing suicide prevention initiatives take a gender-neutral, rather than gender-sensitive, approach. We offer clinical considerations and suggestions for suicide prevention tailored to the needs, preferences, and experiences of women veterans. Discussion is framed around the White House strategy for preventing suicide among military service members and veterans.Social Determinants of Health (R Holliday, Section Editor)Recent Findings Considering high rates of trauma exposure among women veterans, we propose that a trauma-informed lens is essential for taking a gender-sensitive approach to suicide prevention with this population. Nonetheless, research to inform evidence-based assessment and intervention remains largely focused on veteran men or gender-neutral. Integral next steps for research are posited. Summary Extant research provides an initial foundation for beginning to understand and address suicide among women veterans in a gender-sensitive, trauma-informed manner. Additional research that is specific to women veterans or that examines gender differences is critical to ensure women veterans receive optimal, evidence-based care to prevent suicide.

show abstract

Suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and non-suicidal self-injury among female veterans: Prevalence, timing, and onset

Cited by 25 publications

References 29 publications

Mind the gap: Sex, gender, and intersectionality in military-to-civilian transitions

Mind the gap: Sex, gender, and intersectionality in military-to-civilian transitions

Assessing Institutional Betrayal Among Female Veterans Who Experienced Military Sexual Trauma: A Rasch Analysis of the Institutional Betrayal Questionnaire.2

Preventing Suicide Among Women Veterans: Gender-Sensitive, Trauma-Informed Conceptualization

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About