Shame as a mediator between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and suicidal ideation among veterans

Katherine C. Cunningham, Stefanie T. LoSavio, Paul A. Dennis, Chloe Farmer, Carolina P. Clancy, Michael A. Hertzberg, Nathan A. Kimbrel, Patrick S. Calhoun, Jean C. Beckham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Suicidal ideation is a problem that disproportionately affects veterans. Moreover, veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appear to be at particularly high risk for suicide. Objective: The purpose of the present research was to examine whether shame mediates the association between PTSD and suicidal ideation. Methods: Secondary analyses were conducted in a sample of 201 veterans with PTSD seeking care through an outpatient Veterans Affairs specialty PTSD clinic. Results: Path analysis revealed that shame fully accounted for the effects of PTSD on suicidal ideation, suggesting that shame may represent a key link between PTSD and suicidal ideation among veterans. Limitations: Although the reverse mediation effect was also examined, the present sample was cross-sectional and predominantly male. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that shame may be an effective point of treatment intervention to reduce suicidal ideation among veterans with PTSD; however, additional prospective research is still needed to delineate the precise nature of these associations over time.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)216-219
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Affective Disorders
Volume243
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Emotions
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Shame
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Suicide
  • Veterans

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Clinical Psychology

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