Original Article
Intimate Relationships Buffer Suicidality in National Guard Service Members: A Longitudinal Study
Adrian J. Blow PhD,
Adam Farero MS,
Dara Ganoczy MPH,
Heather Walters MS,
Marcia Valenstein MD,
Corresponding Author
Adrian J. Blow PhD
Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
Address correspondence to A. J. Blow, Human Ecology, 552 W Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824; E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAdam Farero MS
Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDara Ganoczy MPH
Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Search for more papers by this authorHeather Walters MS
Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Search for more papers by this authorMarcia Valenstein MD
Department of Psychiatry University of Michigan and VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAdrian J. Blow PhD,
Adam Farero MS,
Dara Ganoczy MPH,
Heather Walters MS,
Marcia Valenstein MD,
Corresponding Author
Adrian J. Blow PhD
Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
Address correspondence to A. J. Blow, Human Ecology, 552 W Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824; E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAdam Farero MS
Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDara Ganoczy MPH
Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Search for more papers by this authorHeather Walters MS
Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Search for more papers by this authorMarcia Valenstein MD
Department of Psychiatry University of Michigan and VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Objective
Members of the U.S. military are at a high suicide risk. While studies have examined predictors of suicide in the U.S. military, more studies are needed which examine protective factors for suicide. Informed by the interpersonal theory of suicide, this study examined the strength of the intimate relationship and its role as a buffer of suicidality in National Guard service members.
Method
A total of 712 National Guard residing in a Midwestern state, who had all recently returned home from a deployment, took part in this study and completed surveys at 6 and 12 months postdeployment. They were assessed on suicide risk, mental health (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety), and relationship satisfaction.
Results
Lower relationship satisfaction and more depressive symptoms at the 6-month assessment were significantly related to greater suicide risk at 12 months. Each interaction between couple satisfaction and three mental health variables (PTSD, depression, and anxiety) at the 6-month assessment was significantly associated with suicide risk at 12 months.
Conclusions
The strength of the intimate relationship serves as a buffer for suicide in National Guard service members who have PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Interventions that strengthen these intimate relationships could reduce suicide in service members.
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