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Chen JI, Bozzay ML, Monahan MF, Gryglewicz K, Romero G, Steding LH, Gleason LL, Karver MS. Life after loss: Comparing student service member/veteran and civilian mental health characteristics among individuals exposed to death by suicide. Journal of American College Health : J of Ach. 2019 Apr 1; 67(3):197-206.
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the mental health characteristics and beliefs of student service members/veterans (SSM/Vs) who have been exposed to another's death by suicide. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 39 SSM/Vs exposed to suicide and 32 SSM/Vs not exposed to suicide were sampled from a larger, epidemiological survey. An age- and gender-matched group of 39 civilian (C) students was drawn from a larger sample of individuals exposed to suicide. METHODS: Data were collected as part of an Internet-based, campus needs survey that occurred in Fall 2014. Participants were asked to complete measures about suicide-related behaviors, suicide prevention, help-seeking, and demographics. RESULTS: SSM/Vs exposed to suicide had more positive mental health/suicide prevention beliefs than SSM/Vs not exposed to suicide. Cs exposed to suicide were not significantly different from either group. Unique help-seeking patterns were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: The current study identifies unique characteristics of SSM/Vs exposed to suicide that may inform prevention programming.