Use of Demographics to Predict High Risk Individuals for Suicide
Abstract
The Department of Defense is committed to the reduction in suicide events, which erodes good order and discipline, through the implementation of suicide prevention programs. This study examines the efforts in the military and civilian population to decrease the suicide rate and to determine what tools a commander can use based on the best evidence available. The research uses data from the Center for Disease Control, the Department of Defense Suicide Event Reports, and the Defense Manpower Data Center to identify individuals who are at a higher risk for suicide. The study compares separate demographic groups based on perceived stress, an identified risk factor for suicide. The research specifically targets the perceived stress levels between the ranks of military members as well as the perceived stress levels between the four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Results suggest mean stress levels differed by rank and service, indicating the benefits of screening for higher risk individuals. Of note is the difference between the increases in perceived mean stress level between each branch of service. Given the differences, the Department of Defense can benefit from further research evaluating the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs available from civilian and military sectors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA582103
Entities
People
- David M. Bergin
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology