There are approximately 30,000 suicides in the United States each year. Over 20% of these suicides are completed by active duty service members and military veterans. Experts in the field of military suicide collaboratively contributed to this textbook to summarize the current state of research on this important topic. The text encompasses various themes; it defines the scope of the problem, outlines current methods for screening and assessing suicide risk, summarizes both evidence-based treatments and risk management techniques, and describes current suicide prevention efforts. Specific topics among such themes explore the effect of psychological trauma, traumatic brain injury, and the impact of military culture on suicide risk. In addition, the text provides an overview of suicide efforts targeted for special population veteran and active duty service members, such as the Army National Guard and Special Operations Forces. Ethical considerations, challenges of research, as well as future directions are highlighted to provide the reader with a critical analysis of military and veteran suicide research. The information provided herein is ideal for care providers such as physicians, psychologists, and mental health professionals—as well as academics whose work involves military service members and veterans.
The Associations Between Army National Guard Versus Active Duty Soldier Status and Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Acquired Capability