Robert M Bossarte
Biographic Data
| ID | 4721376 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Robert M Bossarte |
| GIVEN NAMES | Robert M |
| FAMILY NAME | Bossarte |
| SIGNATURE | BOSSARTE R M |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Rochester |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-0715-3195 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 32 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 100 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 32 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2006 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 6 |
The Right to Life, and Death
Canadian medical assistance in dying (MAID) is positioned to expand to allow voluntary euthanasia for individuals with mental disorders as their sole underlying condition(s) (MAID-MD-SUMC) by 2027. As governments consider this type of legislation, thoughtful critique of proposed eligibility criteria is imperative in order to consider potential consequences that may follow expansion of current policies guiding end-of-life care. As MAID-MD-SUMC ent…
Revisiting relationships between developmental trauma and violence
Keywords: developmental trauma, adolescent psychiatry, violence, mental health, gun violence prevention
Mental Disorders, Gun Ownership, and Gun Carrying Among Soldiers After Leaving the Army, 2016–2019
Objectives. To examine associations of current mental and substance use disorders with self-reported gun ownership and carrying among recently separated US Army soldiers. Veterans have high rates of both gun ownership and mental disorders, the conjunction of which might contribute to the high suicide rate in this group. Methods. Cross-sectional survey data were collected in 2018–2019 from 5682 recently separated personnel who took part in the Arm…
Using Administrative Data to Predict Suicide After Psychiatric Hospitalization in the Veterans Health Administration System
There is a very high suicide rate in the year after psychiatric hospital discharge. Intensive postdischarge case management programs can address this problem but are not cost-effective for all patients. This issue can be addressed by developing a risk model to predict which inpatients might need such a program. We developed such a model for the 391,018 short-term psychiatric hospital admissions of US veterans in Veterans Health Administration (VH…
A randomized controlled trial of public messaging to promote safe firearm storage among U.S. military veterans
Predictors of Mortality in Older Homeless Veterans
These analyses underline the jeopardy faced by older homeless veterans in terms of early death. We were able to identify several variables associated with mortality; more importantly, we were able to show that a risk score based on status for these variables was significantly related to survival
Predictive Modeling and Concentration of the Risk of Suicide
Objectives. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) evaluated the use of predictive modeling to identify patients at risk for suicide and to supplement ongoing care with risk-stratified interventions. Methods. Suicide data came from the National Death Index. Predictors were measures from VHA clinical records incorporating patient-months from October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2011, for all suicide decedents and 1% of living patients, divided rand…
A Position Article for Applying Spirituality to Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a major public health concern in the United States. Halting the rising trend of suicides requires that new options be identified and implemented so as to achieve the overarching goal of reducing the total number of suicide deaths and attempts in America. The aim of this article is to review constructs and outline a proposed operational framework for incorporating spiritual well-being into suicide prevention efforts. By presenting conce…
Losing the Forest for the Trees
AffiliationsMatthew Miller, Deborah Azrael, and Catherine Barber are with the Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Boston, MA. Matthew Miller is also with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston. Robert Bossarte is with the Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Canandaigua, NY
Suicidal Ideation and Mental Distress Among Adults With Military Service History
Objectives. We examined the association of military service history with past-year suicidal ideation and past-30-days mental distress in a probability-based sample of adults. Methods. We gathered 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 5 states that asked about past-year suicidal ideation. Military service was defined as current or former active-duty service or National Guard or Reserves service. We stratified analyses into 18 t…
Psychosocial predictors and outcomes of loneliness trajectories from childhood to early adolescence ☆
Using latent class growth analysis, we were interested in investigating how experiences of loneliness emerge in distinct developmental patterns over the course of middle childhood and adolescence (NICHD Study of Early Child Care, N = 832). Second, we examined the role of demographic, mental health, and behavioral variables in association with these discrete patterns of loneliness. Loneliness was measured at 3 time points: age 9, age 11, and age 1…
Asthma Disparities and Within-Group Differences in a National, Probability Sample of Same-Sex Partnered Adults
Objectives. We examined the prevalence and correlates of self-reported lifetime diagnosis of asthma and current asthma among same-sex and opposite-sex partnered adults. Methods. Data were from the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, in which same-sex partnership was a response option to a family planning item in the core questionnaire. Self-reported lifetime diagnosis of asthma and current asthma were examined in logistic regression …
Housing Instability and Mental Distress among US Veterans
Evidence has suggested increased risk for homelessness and suicide among US veterans, but little is known about the associations between housing instability and psychological distress (including suicidal ideation). We examined frequent mental distress (FMD) and suicidal ideation among a probability-based sample of 1767 Nebraska veterans who participated in the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey who had and had not experienced housing…
Prevalence of Gender Identity Disorder and Suicide Risk Among Transgender Veterans Utilizing Veterans Health Administration Care
Objectives. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of gender identity disorder (GID) diagnoses among veterans in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health care system and examined suicide risk among veterans with a GID diagnosis. Methods. We examined VHA electronic medical records from 2000 through 2011 for 2 official ICD-9 diagnosis codes that indicate transgender status. We generated annual period prevalence estimates and calculated in…
Self-Harm and Suicide Attempts among High-Risk, Urban Youth in the U.S
The extent to which self-harm and suicidal behavior overlap in community samples of vulnerable youth is not well known. Secondary analyses were conducted of the "linkages study" (N = 4,131), a cross-sectional survey of students enrolled in grades 7, 9, 11/12 in a high-risk community in the U.S. in 2004. Analyses were conducted to determine the risk and protective factors (i.e., academic grades, binge drinking, illicit drug use, weapon carrying, c…
The effect of depression on the association between military service and life satisfaction
Extracurricular activity involvement is associated with adolescent suicidality through school belongingness
Adolescent sports participants report lower rates of suicidality compared with sports nonparticipants. Few studies have investigated whether this pattern holds for involvement in other types of extracurricular activities, in younger samples, or the mechanisms of these associations. This study investigated the mediating role of school belongingness on the association between types of extracurricular activities and suicidality in developmental age …
Risk factors for multiple forms of violent experiences
There is a growing body of empirical research indicating a significant co-occurrence of multiple forms of experiences with violence among US youth. However, very little information is available about shared risk factors across forms of violence. Current analyses were based on cross-sectional data from the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The YRBS includes a nationally representative sample (n = 16,410) of high-school students in 9–12th gra…
Precedence for Integration of Clinical Services in Public Health Initiatives
Suicide Prevention for Veterans and Active Duty Personnel
Surveillance of Suicide and Suicide Attempts Among Veterans
The authors reflect on the surveillance of suicide and suicide attempts among U.S. military veterans. They suggest that the need for improved and expanded surveillance of suicide and suicide attempts is well recognized. They argue that a surveillance system for veterans and others which can assess suicide risk and manage those individuals with an established risk of suicidal behavior is needed
Blosnich et al. Respond
We are encouraged by Lutwak and Dill's letter, and we agree that health care competency, accessibility, and equity are among the key goals that should drive service to our veterans. Because a burgeoning research base documents health issues among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (i.e., sexual and gender minority) veterans, we are likely to see disparities similar to those currently identified in nonveteran sexual and gender minority popula…
Prevalence and Characteristics of Suicide Ideation and Attempts Among Active Military and Veteran Participants in a National Health Survey
The relationships between military service and suicide are not clear, and comparatively little is known about the characteristics and correlates of suicide ideation and attempts among those with history of military service. We used data from a national health survey to estimate the prevalence and correlates of suicidal behaviors among veterans and service members in 2 states. The prevalence of suicidal behaviors among Veterans was similar to prev…
Bossarte Responds
Suicidal Behavior in a National Sample of Older Homeless Veterans
Objectives. We examined self-reported suicidal behavior of older homeless veterans to establish frequencies and predictors of recent suicidal behaviors, and their impact on transitional housing interventions. Methods. We analyzed the records of a national sample of 10 111 veterans who participated in a transition housing program over a 6-year period, ending in 2008. Results. Approximately 12% of homeless veterans reported suicidal ideation before…
Prevalence of Gender Identity Disorder and Suicide Risk Among Transgender Veterans Utilizing Veterans Health Administration Care
Objectives. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of gender identity disorder (GID) diagnoses among veterans in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health care system and examined suicide risk among veterans with a GID diagnosis. Methods. We examined VHA electronic medical records from 2000 through 2011 for 2 official ICD-9 diagnosis codes that indicate transgender status. We generated annual period prevalence estimates and calculated in…
Prevalence and Characteristics of Suicide Ideation and Attempts Among Active Military and Veteran Participants in a National Health Survey
The relationships between military service and suicide are not clear, and comparatively little is known about the characteristics and correlates of suicide ideation and attempts among those with history of military service. We used data from a national health survey to estimate the prevalence and correlates of suicidal behaviors among veterans and service members in 2 states. The prevalence of suicidal behaviors among Veterans was similar to prev…
Suicidal Ideation Among Sexual Minority Veterans
Suicide is a public health problem disproportionately associated with some demographic characteristics (e.g., sexual orientation, veteran status). Analyses of the Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data revealed that more lesbian, gay, and bisexual (i.e., sexual minority) veterans reported suicidal ideation compared with heterosexual veterans. Decreased social and emotional support contributed to explaining the association b…
Comparisons of Intimate Partner Violence Among Partners in Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Relationships in the United States
Using 2005–2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, we examined intimate partner violence (IPV) by same-sex and opposite-sex relationships and by Metropolitan Statistical Area status. Same-sex victims differed from opposite-sex victims in some forms of IPV prevalence, and urban same-sex victims had increased odds of poor self-perceived health status (adjusted odds ratio = 2.41; 95% confidence interval = 1.17, 4.94). Same-sex and oppo…
Predictive Modeling and Concentration of the Risk of Suicide
Objectives. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) evaluated the use of predictive modeling to identify patients at risk for suicide and to supplement ongoing care with risk-stratified interventions. Methods. Suicide data came from the National Death Index. Predictors were measures from VHA clinical records incorporating patient-months from October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2011, for all suicide decedents and 1% of living patients, divided rand…
Asthma Disparities and Within-Group Differences in a National, Probability Sample of Same-Sex Partnered Adults
Objectives. We examined the prevalence and correlates of self-reported lifetime diagnosis of asthma and current asthma among same-sex and opposite-sex partnered adults. Methods. Data were from the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, in which same-sex partnership was a response option to a family planning item in the core questionnaire. Self-reported lifetime diagnosis of asthma and current asthma were examined in logistic regression …
Surveillance of Suicide and Suicide Attempts Among Veterans
The authors reflect on the surveillance of suicide and suicide attempts among U.S. military veterans. They suggest that the need for improved and expanded surveillance of suicide and suicide attempts is well recognized. They argue that a surveillance system for veterans and others which can assess suicide risk and manage those individuals with an established risk of suicidal behavior is needed
Suicidal Ideation and Mental Distress Among Adults With Military Service History
Objectives. We examined the association of military service history with past-year suicidal ideation and past-30-days mental distress in a probability-based sample of adults. Methods. We gathered 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 5 states that asked about past-year suicidal ideation. Military service was defined as current or former active-duty service or National Guard or Reserves service. We stratified analyses into 18 t…
Suicidal Behavior in a National Sample of Older Homeless Veterans
Objectives. We examined self-reported suicidal behavior of older homeless veterans to establish frequencies and predictors of recent suicidal behaviors, and their impact on transitional housing interventions. Methods. We analyzed the records of a national sample of 10 111 veterans who participated in a transition housing program over a 6-year period, ending in 2008. Results. Approximately 12% of homeless veterans reported suicidal ideation before…
The Associations Between Victimization, Feeling Unsafe, and Asthma Episodes Among US High-School Students
We examined the associations between victimization, missed school because of feeling unsafe, and asthma episodes among US high-school students using the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Cross-sectional analyses on adolescents with asthma (n=1943) showed that any victimization and missed school because of feeling unsafe significantly increased the odds of having an asthma episode in the past year (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.45; 95% confidence inte…
Housing Instability and Mental Distress among US Veterans
Evidence has suggested increased risk for homelessness and suicide among US veterans, but little is known about the associations between housing instability and psychological distress (including suicidal ideation). We examined frequent mental distress (FMD) and suicidal ideation among a probability-based sample of 1767 Nebraska veterans who participated in the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey who had and had not experienced housing…
Co-occurring suicide attempts and physical fighting
This study examines the prevalence and correlates of co-occurring suicidal behavior (i.e., attempted suicide) and violent behavior (i.e., involved in a physical fight) in a nationally representative sample of high school students. Analyses were based on cross-sectional data from the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which includes a nationally representative sample (n = 15,214) of high school students in 9th through 12th grade in the United…
A randomized controlled trial of public messaging to promote safe firearm storage among U.S. military veterans
The Associations between Area of Residence, Sexual Violence Victimization, and Asthma Episodes among US Adult Women in 14 States and Territories, 2005–2007
The Associations Between Victimization, Feeling Unsafe, and Asthma Episodes Among US High-School Students
We examined the associations between victimization, missed school because of feeling unsafe, and asthma episodes among US high-school students using the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Cross-sectional analyses on adolescents with asthma (n=1943) showed that any victimization and missed school because of feeling unsafe significantly increased the odds of having an asthma episode in the past year (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.45; 95% confidence inte…
The Associations between Area of Residence, Sexual Violence Victimization, and Asthma Episodes among US Adult Women in 14 States and Territories, 2005–2007
Urban girls and boys who date
This study examined the associations between alcohol use, drug use, self-harm, suicide attempts and dating using logistic regression analyses. Data were obtained from the Youth Violence Survey, conducted in 2004, and administered to all public school students enrolled in grades 7, 9, 11 and 12 (n= 4,131; 52.2% girls and 47.8% boys) in a high-risk school district. Adolescents who reported any alcohol or drug use and any self-harm were more likely …
Comparisons of Intimate Partner Violence Among Partners in Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Relationships in the United States
Using 2005–2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, we examined intimate partner violence (IPV) by same-sex and opposite-sex relationships and by Metropolitan Statistical Area status. Same-sex victims differed from opposite-sex victims in some forms of IPV prevalence, and urban same-sex victims had increased odds of poor self-perceived health status (adjusted odds ratio = 2.41; 95% confidence interval = 1.17, 4.94). Same-sex and oppo…
Co-occurring suicide attempts and physical fighting
This study examines the prevalence and correlates of co-occurring suicidal behavior (i.e., attempted suicide) and violent behavior (i.e., involved in a physical fight) in a nationally representative sample of high school students. Analyses were based on cross-sectional data from the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which includes a nationally representative sample (n = 15,214) of high school students in 9th through 12th grade in the United…
Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Among Women Veterans and Associated Heart Health Risks
Self-Harm and Suicide Attempts among High-Risk, Urban Youth in the U.S
The extent to which self-harm and suicidal behavior overlap in community samples of vulnerable youth is not well known. Secondary analyses were conducted of the "linkages study" (N = 4,131), a cross-sectional survey of students enrolled in grades 7, 9, 11/12 in a high-risk community in the U.S. in 2004. Analyses were conducted to determine the risk and protective factors (i.e., academic grades, binge drinking, illicit drug use, weapon carrying, c…
The effect of depression on the association between military service and life satisfaction
Extracurricular activity involvement is associated with adolescent suicidality through school belongingness
Adolescent sports participants report lower rates of suicidality compared with sports nonparticipants. Few studies have investigated whether this pattern holds for involvement in other types of extracurricular activities, in younger samples, or the mechanisms of these associations. This study investigated the mediating role of school belongingness on the association between types of extracurricular activities and suicidality in developmental age …
Risk factors for multiple forms of violent experiences
There is a growing body of empirical research indicating a significant co-occurrence of multiple forms of experiences with violence among US youth. However, very little information is available about shared risk factors across forms of violence. Current analyses were based on cross-sectional data from the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The YRBS includes a nationally representative sample (n = 16,410) of high-school students in 9–12th gra…
Precedence for Integration of Clinical Services in Public Health Initiatives
Suicide Prevention for Veterans and Active Duty Personnel
Surveillance of Suicide and Suicide Attempts Among Veterans
The authors reflect on the surveillance of suicide and suicide attempts among U.S. military veterans. They suggest that the need for improved and expanded surveillance of suicide and suicide attempts is well recognized. They argue that a surveillance system for veterans and others which can assess suicide risk and manage those individuals with an established risk of suicidal behavior is needed
Blosnich et al. Respond
We are encouraged by Lutwak and Dill's letter, and we agree that health care competency, accessibility, and equity are among the key goals that should drive service to our veterans. Because a burgeoning research base documents health issues among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (i.e., sexual and gender minority) veterans, we are likely to see disparities similar to those currently identified in nonveteran sexual and gender minority popula…
Prevalence and Characteristics of Suicide Ideation and Attempts Among Active Military and Veteran Participants in a National Health Survey
The relationships between military service and suicide are not clear, and comparatively little is known about the characteristics and correlates of suicide ideation and attempts among those with history of military service. We used data from a national health survey to estimate the prevalence and correlates of suicidal behaviors among veterans and service members in 2 states. The prevalence of suicidal behaviors among Veterans was similar to prev…
Bossarte Responds
Suicidal Behavior in a National Sample of Older Homeless Veterans
Objectives. We examined self-reported suicidal behavior of older homeless veterans to establish frequencies and predictors of recent suicidal behaviors, and their impact on transitional housing interventions. Methods. We analyzed the records of a national sample of 10 111 veterans who participated in a transition housing program over a 6-year period, ending in 2008. Results. Approximately 12% of homeless veterans reported suicidal ideation before…
Suicidal Ideation Among Sexual Minority Veterans
Suicide is a public health problem disproportionately associated with some demographic characteristics (e.g., sexual orientation, veteran status). Analyses of the Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data revealed that more lesbian, gay, and bisexual (i.e., sexual minority) veterans reported suicidal ideation compared with heterosexual veterans. Decreased social and emotional support contributed to explaining the association b…
Psychosocial predictors and outcomes of loneliness trajectories from childhood to early adolescence ☆
Using latent class growth analysis, we were interested in investigating how experiences of loneliness emerge in distinct developmental patterns over the course of middle childhood and adolescence (NICHD Study of Early Child Care, N = 832). Second, we examined the role of demographic, mental health, and behavioral variables in association with these discrete patterns of loneliness. Loneliness was measured at 3 time points: age 9, age 11, and age 1…
Asthma Disparities and Within-Group Differences in a National, Probability Sample of Same-Sex Partnered Adults
Objectives. We examined the prevalence and correlates of self-reported lifetime diagnosis of asthma and current asthma among same-sex and opposite-sex partnered adults. Methods. Data were from the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, in which same-sex partnership was a response option to a family planning item in the core questionnaire. Self-reported lifetime diagnosis of asthma and current asthma were examined in logistic regression …
Housing Instability and Mental Distress among US Veterans
Evidence has suggested increased risk for homelessness and suicide among US veterans, but little is known about the associations between housing instability and psychological distress (including suicidal ideation). We examined frequent mental distress (FMD) and suicidal ideation among a probability-based sample of 1767 Nebraska veterans who participated in the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey who had and had not experienced housing…
Prevalence of Gender Identity Disorder and Suicide Risk Among Transgender Veterans Utilizing Veterans Health Administration Care
Objectives. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of gender identity disorder (GID) diagnoses among veterans in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health care system and examined suicide risk among veterans with a GID diagnosis. Methods. We examined VHA electronic medical records from 2000 through 2011 for 2 official ICD-9 diagnosis codes that indicate transgender status. We generated annual period prevalence estimates and calculated in…
A Position Article for Applying Spirituality to Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a major public health concern in the United States. Halting the rising trend of suicides requires that new options be identified and implemented so as to achieve the overarching goal of reducing the total number of suicide deaths and attempts in America. The aim of this article is to review constructs and outline a proposed operational framework for incorporating spiritual well-being into suicide prevention efforts. By presenting conce…
Losing the Forest for the Trees
AffiliationsMatthew Miller, Deborah Azrael, and Catherine Barber are with the Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Boston, MA. Matthew Miller is also with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston. Robert Bossarte is with the Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Canandaigua, NY
Suicidal Ideation and Mental Distress Among Adults With Military Service History
Objectives. We examined the association of military service history with past-year suicidal ideation and past-30-days mental distress in a probability-based sample of adults. Methods. We gathered 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 5 states that asked about past-year suicidal ideation. Military service was defined as current or former active-duty service or National Guard or Reserves service. We stratified analyses into 18 t…
Medicine (30 works) · Psychology (22 works) · Environmental health (20 works) · Poison control (20 works) · Psychiatry (20 works) · Suicide prevention (18 works) · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies (17 works) · Clinical Psychology (13 works) · Injury prevention (12 works) · Occupational safety and health (11 works)