September 2023In This Issue: HSR&D Research on Suicide Prevention »Table of ContentsEnhancing Social Connectedness Among Veterans at High Risk for Suicide through Community EngagementFeature ArticleTakeaway: Suicide rates among Veterans remain stubbornly high. To combat the social isolation that has been associated with suicidal thoughts, 5 this study aims to develop an intervention that improves Veterans’ social connectedness by increasing their participation in community activities—a promising approach to suicide prevention that has not previously been studied. Although multiple national efforts address Veteran suicide, suicide rates among Veterans remain high. Social connectedness, which has been identified as a strong protective factor against suicide, is a promising area for intervention, but currently, few interventions directly target social connectedness among at-risk individuals. To improve Veterans’ social connectedness through participation in community activities, this ongoing study (July 2019–June 2024) aims to:
Methods The multicomponent intervention will be informed by input from Veterans as well as VA clinical and community stakeholders such as nonprofit organizations and family members. Early Findings and Progress
Anticipated Impact Findings are expected to include clinical toolkits and briefings for VA and community stakeholders and will be communicated through academic manuscripts and community and research presentations. Principal Investigator Jason Chen, PhD, is an HSR&D Career Development Awardee and is part of HSR&D’s Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care in Portland, OR. Recent related publications by this investigator Chen JI, Ono SS, Dobscha SK, et al. Veteran community engagement and social connection needs following inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal. December 2022;45(4):324–330. Also see the accompanying clinical brief. Bowersox NW, Jagusch J, Chen JI, et al. Peer-based interventions targeting suicide prevention: A scoping review. American Journal of Community Psychology. September 2021;68(1–2):232–248. View the study abstract. 5 Social isolation and suicide risk: Literature review and perspectives - PMC (nih.gov) |