Affective Depression Mediates PTSD to Suicide in Sample of Post-9/11 Combat Veterans

Bibliographic Data

ID22158162
AuthorsNatalia Kuzmina, N E Kuzmina (Kansas State University), Jennifer Switzer (0009-0001-4980-9252, Kansas State University), Warren N Ponder (0000-0002-9316-8974, corresponding author), Chelsea M Spencer (0000-0003-1312-1103, Kansas State University, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume9
Issue3
Pages64-73
Publication date2023-11-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Veterans Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2470-4768 • E-ISSN: 2470-4768
PublisherVirginia Tech Libraries (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.21061/jvs.v9i3.452
OpenAlexW4388578836
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited35

Combat veterans are at high risk for suicide; consequently, it is paramount to examine factors that may relate to lower levels of suicide among this population. This study examined if somatic depression or affective depression symptoms mediate the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal behaviors in a treatment-seeking sample of post-9/11 combat veterans. Fluid Vulnerability Theory was utilized as a theoretical framework. We conducted two PROCESS simple mediation models with PTSD as the predictor, affective depression and somatic depression as the mediators, and suicidality as the dependent variable, while controlling for generalized anxiety. We found that affective depression significantly mediated the relationship between PTSD and suicidal behaviors, while somatic depression symptoms did not. In both simple mediation models, the direct effect of PTSD to suicidal behaviors was significant. This study provides a unique perspective on suicidal behavior in combat veterans and offers insights into the nature of mediating relationships between affective depression and somatic depression and suicidal behavior

Psychiatry · Clinical Psychology · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies