CSPAR News
June 2023
For the month of June we have four exciting new article on suicide prevention to share !!
1.Comparative effectiveness of safety planning interventions
We are excited to update you on the SPARC Trial, a pioneering research study dedicated to advancing suicide prevention strategies. Led by a team of researchers and the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline, this study evaluates two innovative brief contact interventions: the Interactive Voice Response Safety Plan (IVR-SP) and phone-based Care Contacts (CC). The goal is to assess their effectiveness in reducing suicide risk, with a focus on underrepresented populations in rural areas with alarmingly high suicide rates.
The SPARC Trial distinguishes itself by bridging research gaps and expanding participant diversity. Unlike previous studies limited to military or veteran populations, this trial includes individuals of all ages, genders, and geographic locations. By partnering with the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline, the study ensures a realistic and scalable implementation model, crucial for clinics and health systems facing resource constraints in rural settings.
Measuring suicidal ideation and behavior at 6 months, the study's primary outcome provides comprehensive risk assessments. Secondary outcomes include loneliness, uptake of mental health services, return to crisis care, and scores at 12 months. Non-clinician follow-up specialists at the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline also allows for virtual delivery of evidence-based interventions, making scalability feasible in low-resource settings.
The SPARC Trial holds immense public health potential. The study's findings will empower healthcare leaders to select and implement effective interventions for at-risk individuals.
For more detailed information, we invite you to read the attached article. CLICK HERE
The SPARC Trial distinguishes itself by bridging research gaps and expanding participant diversity. Unlike previous studies limited to military or veteran populations, this trial includes individuals of all ages, genders, and geographic locations. By partnering with the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline, the study ensures a realistic and scalable implementation model, crucial for clinics and health systems facing resource constraints in rural settings.
Measuring suicidal ideation and behavior at 6 months, the study's primary outcome provides comprehensive risk assessments. Secondary outcomes include loneliness, uptake of mental health services, return to crisis care, and scores at 12 months. Non-clinician follow-up specialists at the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline also allows for virtual delivery of evidence-based interventions, making scalability feasible in low-resource settings.
The SPARC Trial holds immense public health potential. The study's findings will empower healthcare leaders to select and implement effective interventions for at-risk individuals.
For more detailed information, we invite you to read the attached article. CLICK HERE
2.Lessons Learned From Implementing a Caring Contacts
We have some exciting updates to share regarding a recent study conducted within the VA health care system, focusing on enhancing caring contacts interventions for at-risk veterans. The study examined the implementation of caring contacts interventions for veterans following psychiatric hospitalization. Within this study 135 out of 462 hospitalized veterans received this evidence-based intervention.
An intriguing discovery emerged from the study, revealing that 73% of veterans enrolled in our inpatient program were also enrolled in at least one other caring contacts program. This overlap raises important questions about the combined effects of multiple interventions and their potential to bolster suicide prevention efforts. We are actively investigating this area to optimize our approach and maximize impact.
To expand the reach of interventions, we have identified several opportunities for improvement. By simplifying exclusion criteria, increasing enrollment days, and exploring alternative delivery methods, we aim to ensure that no at-risk veteran is inadvertently overlooked or underserved.
Collaboration and coordination within the VA system are vital aspects of our mission. By aligning efforts, prioritizing required programs, and streamlining processes, we can establish a more efficient and effective caring contacts framework.
For more detailed information, we invite you to read the attached article. CLICK HERE
An intriguing discovery emerged from the study, revealing that 73% of veterans enrolled in our inpatient program were also enrolled in at least one other caring contacts program. This overlap raises important questions about the combined effects of multiple interventions and their potential to bolster suicide prevention efforts. We are actively investigating this area to optimize our approach and maximize impact.
To expand the reach of interventions, we have identified several opportunities for improvement. By simplifying exclusion criteria, increasing enrollment days, and exploring alternative delivery methods, we aim to ensure that no at-risk veteran is inadvertently overlooked or underserved.
Collaboration and coordination within the VA system are vital aspects of our mission. By aligning efforts, prioritizing required programs, and streamlining processes, we can establish a more efficient and effective caring contacts framework.
For more detailed information, we invite you to read the attached article. CLICK HERE
3. Peer-Written Caring Letters for Veterans after a Suicidal Crisis
We're thrilled to share updates on a recent pilot study exploring the feasibility of the peer-based suicide prevention intervention, Caring Letters. In this pilot, fifteen veterans participated in a workshop, equipping them with skills for the Caring Letters program. They wrote six letters each to recently hospitalized veterans at risk of suicide, assessing the feasibility and acceptability of this approach.
Preliminary data shows promising outcomes. Participants reported positive experiences, appreciating the privacy measures in place. Mental health improvements were observed, with reduced suicidal ideation and increased resilience among recipients. Strong alliances formed between participants and peer volunteers.
A notable finding was the reduction of mental health care stigma, benefiting both recipients and volunteers. Peer support is crucial in suicide prevention, and collaboration with veteran advocacy groups can alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals.
For a comprehensive overview of the study and its implications, please find the attached article. CLICK HERE
Preliminary data shows promising outcomes. Participants reported positive experiences, appreciating the privacy measures in place. Mental health improvements were observed, with reduced suicidal ideation and increased resilience among recipients. Strong alliances formed between participants and peer volunteers.
A notable finding was the reduction of mental health care stigma, benefiting both recipients and volunteers. Peer support is crucial in suicide prevention, and collaboration with veteran advocacy groups can alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals.
For a comprehensive overview of the study and its implications, please find the attached article. CLICK HERE
4. Effects of cultural adaptation on a suicide prevention clinical trial in American Indian/Alaska Native communities
Today we will shine a spotlight on an impactful study that explores the cultural adaptation of suicide prevention interventions. By promoting community relevance and engagement, this research has the potential to revolutionize suicide prevention efforts in diverse populations.
The study focused on culturally adapting a caring contacts intervention for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Recognizing the historical mistrust between researchers and AI/AN communities, the researchers embraced the principles of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). By collaborating closely with community members, they aimed to ensure that the intervention addressed their specific needs and cultural contexts.
Through extensive community consultations, the researchers made significant adaptations to the intervention and study design. Personalized message content, infused with references to local cultural events and activities, received overwhelmingly positive responses from participants. The number of messages was increased, resulting in enhanced engagement and satisfaction.
The study also emphasized inclusivity. The community engagement process was a crucial aspect of the study. By actively involving community members as partners, the researchers ensured that the intervention was well-received and aligned with community values. This approach not only enhanced the cultural relevance of the intervention but also strengthened the trust between researchers and the community.
The results highlighted the importance of community expertise in refining outcome measures. Through stakeholder feedback, the researchers adapted measurement tools to capture a wider range of suicidal behavior and assessed participant loneliness and social supports to understand the role of connectedness in suicide prevention.
By shining a light on this study, we aim to raise awareness about the value of community engagement in suicide prevention research. This approach has the potential to improve the efficacy and acceptability of suicide prevention strategies, leading to better outcomes for individuals and communities.
For more detailed information, we invite you to read the attached article. CLICK HERE
The study focused on culturally adapting a caring contacts intervention for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Recognizing the historical mistrust between researchers and AI/AN communities, the researchers embraced the principles of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). By collaborating closely with community members, they aimed to ensure that the intervention addressed their specific needs and cultural contexts.
Through extensive community consultations, the researchers made significant adaptations to the intervention and study design. Personalized message content, infused with references to local cultural events and activities, received overwhelmingly positive responses from participants. The number of messages was increased, resulting in enhanced engagement and satisfaction.
The study also emphasized inclusivity. The community engagement process was a crucial aspect of the study. By actively involving community members as partners, the researchers ensured that the intervention was well-received and aligned with community values. This approach not only enhanced the cultural relevance of the intervention but also strengthened the trust between researchers and the community.
The results highlighted the importance of community expertise in refining outcome measures. Through stakeholder feedback, the researchers adapted measurement tools to capture a wider range of suicidal behavior and assessed participant loneliness and social supports to understand the role of connectedness in suicide prevention.
By shining a light on this study, we aim to raise awareness about the value of community engagement in suicide prevention research. This approach has the potential to improve the efficacy and acceptability of suicide prevention strategies, leading to better outcomes for individuals and communities.
For more detailed information, we invite you to read the attached article. CLICK HERE
November 2022
A grant to study how TikTok usage could increase suicide risk, with two CSPAR Faculty acting as Principal Investigators, just received funding from the Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions. Katherine Ann (Kate) Comtois, PhD, MPH-Center Director, and Molly Adrian, PhD and Center Faculty member are two of the Principal investigators on the study. Read more about the aims of the study and what we hope to learn by clicking here.
October 2022
We are delighted to share that our primary outcomes paper from the Aftercare Focus Study is in print! Please CLICK HERE to read the paper on ScienceDirect. There is also an option to view in PDF form on the ScienceDirect website.
April 2022
The findings of this stepped-wedge cluster-randomized clinical trial suggest that PARS was effective in improving suicide prevention outcomes and has the potential for wide dissemination and implementation. Click HERE to read the paper published by JAMA and written by CSPAR faculty member Richard K. Ries (MD) with co-authorship from center director Kate Comtois (PhD, MPH) and research scientist Amanda Kerbrat (MSW).
February 2022
CSPAR published a paper on the cost-benefit of CAMS versus enhanced treatment as usual from our OWL study. Center director Kate Comtois and research scientist Amanda Kerbrat are co-authors. Click here to read the paper on PLOS One.
January 2022
CSPAR is hiring a temporary, full-time Administrative Assistant to directly support director Kate Comtois. Visit UW Hires here to view the job posting and apply.
October 2021
A paper on adapting the Caring Contacts intervention for Veterans was recently published. CSPAR director Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH and faculty member Mark Reger, PhD are co-authors. Click here to read the article on Frontiers in Psychiatry .
September 2021
A new paper on CSPAR's CARE study was recently published! Please click here to view our paper on cultural adaptation of caring contacts conducted with four native communities.
August 2021
Suicide prevention experts CSPAR faculty member Jeffrey Sung, MD and colleague Brett Bass debunk myths about suicide, and explain what we can do to decrease these deaths in a Crosscut. Opinion, Suicide is Washington state’s biggest gun violence problem.
New blog about how the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) has been successfully reaching out to Veterans with caring letters!
June 2021
New article by Emily Friedman, MID, CPE, How Mental Health Apps Do (or Don’t) Support Some of COVID-19’s Most Vulnerable Populations! This article highlights findings from the study, "Use of Mental Health Apps by Essential Workers and Unemployed due to COVID-19" that CSPAR diretor, Kate Comtois, PhD is working on in collaboration with colleagues at the UW ALACRITY Center.
CSPAR director Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH receives Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions innovation grant for using technology to scale Caring Contacts and reduce suicide! Click here to learn more about the project and collaborators.
April 2021
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Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH provides an overview of the Center for Suicide Prevention and Recovery at UW Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds.
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Congratulations to CSPAR faculty member Mark A. Reger, PhD who is the announced winner of the 2021 American Association for Suicidology (AAS) Citizen Scientist Professional Award!!
March 2021
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CSPAR director Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH presented at the University of Michigan IPC Suicide Prevention Summit on Science to Practice in Suicide Prevention.
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January 2021
The UW Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidiality (CAMS) Training
will take place February 12 and 19, 2021 via Zoom webinar. Register Now!
will take place February 12 and 19, 2021 via Zoom webinar. Register Now!
Kate Comtois, CSPAR director, and Courtney Bagge, CSPAR colleague at the University of Michigan, partnered with Takahuni Suzuki and Harrison Dickens to examine the motivations for suicide attempts on an adapted version of the Suicide Attempt Self-Injury Interview. This unique measure developed by Marsha Linehan at the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics at the UW was the first to examine the motivation for suicide attempts in depth.
This paper, Motivations for Suicide Attempts amongst Psychiatric Inpatients: Associations with Risk Factors and Recent Suicide Attempt Characteristics shows that Dr. Bagge’s modified motivations scale allows for more subtle understanding of the motivations of inpatients for a suicide attempt made in the past 24 hours. In line with previous research, two primary motivations were uncovered – interpersonal motivations to communicate distress or motivate action and intrapersonal motivations to reduce or escape negative emotional states.
Higher interpersonal reasons for attempting suicide were related to a shortened period of planning (within 3 hours of the act) and lower suicidal intent and thus could benefit from a strong crisis response plan ready to be used in a quick time frame. Higher intrapersonal reasons were associated with traditional risk factors, such as a history of a previous attempt, more overall negative life events in the year prior, and higher current depressive symptoms. These patients may benefit from treatment of the drivers of their negative internal states. As neither set of reasons were associated with the violence of the method chosen, all individuals with a history of attempt should be counseled about means safety.
This paper, Motivations for Suicide Attempts amongst Psychiatric Inpatients: Associations with Risk Factors and Recent Suicide Attempt Characteristics shows that Dr. Bagge’s modified motivations scale allows for more subtle understanding of the motivations of inpatients for a suicide attempt made in the past 24 hours. In line with previous research, two primary motivations were uncovered – interpersonal motivations to communicate distress or motivate action and intrapersonal motivations to reduce or escape negative emotional states.
Higher interpersonal reasons for attempting suicide were related to a shortened period of planning (within 3 hours of the act) and lower suicidal intent and thus could benefit from a strong crisis response plan ready to be used in a quick time frame. Higher intrapersonal reasons were associated with traditional risk factors, such as a history of a previous attempt, more overall negative life events in the year prior, and higher current depressive symptoms. These patients may benefit from treatment of the drivers of their negative internal states. As neither set of reasons were associated with the violence of the method chosen, all individuals with a history of attempt should be counseled about means safety.
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MSRC Advances in Suicide Prevention Methodologies Webinar Series
Conducting Research with High Risk Suicidal Individuals
When: January 15, 2021
Time: 12:00-1:00pm EST
Presenters: Marjan G. Holloway, PhD and Katherine Anne Comtois, PhD, MPH
Register in advance for this Zoom webinar
CSPAR director, Dr. Comtois is director of the MSRC Dissemination and Implementation Core.
Conducting Research with High Risk Suicidal Individuals
When: January 15, 2021
Time: 12:00-1:00pm EST
Presenters: Marjan G. Holloway, PhD and Katherine Anne Comtois, PhD, MPH
Register in advance for this Zoom webinar
CSPAR director, Dr. Comtois is director of the MSRC Dissemination and Implementation Core.
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November, 2020
‘How Did We Not Know?’ Gun Owners Confront a Suicide Epidemic
This New York Times article features the amazing Safer Homes Suicide Aware team at Forefront, which includes CSPAR’s faculty member Jeff Sung, MD.
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This New York Times article features the amazing Safer Homes Suicide Aware team at Forefront, which includes CSPAR’s faculty member Jeff Sung, MD.
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CSPAR's Preventing Addiction Related Suicide (PARS) Study Receives Garvey Award
The PARS study was a recipient of an Innovation Grant award from the UW Medicine Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions (GIBHS)! UW Medicine announced the award of $1 million in Innovation Grant awards to eleven UW faculty-led teams. These teams are composed of individuals representing four schools (Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Social Work), 13 departments and numerous centers and locations including the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, the Memory and Brain Wellness Center (MBWC) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC).
The project, PARS-Web, is a collaboration between CSPAR, the UW Advancing Integrated Mental Health Solutions (AIMS) Center, and UW CoMotion. The team plans to develop an innovative online training for suicide prevention in addiction treatment settings, promoting the widespread dissemination of the PARS intervention. PARS-Web will incorporate several implementation tools, including a state-of-the-art website and Zoom-based training video with testing and certification capacity. The goal is to facilitate an easily adopted, feasible, and evidence-based suicide prevention intervention to become part of standard care in addiction agencies state-wide, and eventually nationwide.
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The PARS study was a recipient of an Innovation Grant award from the UW Medicine Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions (GIBHS)! UW Medicine announced the award of $1 million in Innovation Grant awards to eleven UW faculty-led teams. These teams are composed of individuals representing four schools (Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Social Work), 13 departments and numerous centers and locations including the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, the Memory and Brain Wellness Center (MBWC) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC).
The project, PARS-Web, is a collaboration between CSPAR, the UW Advancing Integrated Mental Health Solutions (AIMS) Center, and UW CoMotion. The team plans to develop an innovative online training for suicide prevention in addiction treatment settings, promoting the widespread dissemination of the PARS intervention. PARS-Web will incorporate several implementation tools, including a state-of-the-art website and Zoom-based training video with testing and certification capacity. The goal is to facilitate an easily adopted, feasible, and evidence-based suicide prevention intervention to become part of standard care in addiction agencies state-wide, and eventually nationwide.
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MSRC Advances in Suicide Prevention Methodologies Webinar Series
Moving from Clinical Research to Implementation Research: Getting What Works for Suicide Prevention Into Practice
13 Nov 2020
Presenter: Sara J. Landes, PhD
CSPAR director, Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH is director of the MSRC Dissemination and Implementation Core.
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Moving from Clinical Research to Implementation Research: Getting What Works for Suicide Prevention Into Practice
13 Nov 2020
Presenter: Sara J. Landes, PhD
CSPAR director, Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH is director of the MSRC Dissemination and Implementation Core.
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October, 2020
Military research program, the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) highlights CSPAR's Targeted Assessment and Context-Tailored Implementation of Change Strategies (TACTICS) study. TACTICS examines the impact of an innovative implementation strategy on the reach of Prolonged Exposure for service members with PTSD
CSPAR collaborator Lisa Brenner, PhD, ABPP has published new study findings!
Bahraini N, Brenner LA, Barry C, et al. Assessment of Rates of Suicide Risk Screening and Prevalence of Positive Screening Results Among US Veterans After Implementation of the Veterans Affairs Suicide Risk Identification Strategy. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(10):e2022531. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.22531
Bahraini N, Brenner LA, Barry C, et al. Assessment of Rates of Suicide Risk Screening and Prevalence of Positive Screening Results Among US Veterans After Implementation of the Veterans Affairs Suicide Risk Identification Strategy. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(10):e2022531. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.22531
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) Caring Letters Program that will reach 90,000 Veterans! CSPAR faculty member Mark Reger, PhD is leading this evidence-based suicide prevention intervention that involves sending periodic messages with simple expressions of care and concern to Veterans who use VA health care and contact the VCL. Learn more from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) press release
MSRC Advances in Suicide Prevention Methodologies Webinar Series:
Designing Completely Online Studies of Suicide
23 Oct 2020
Presenter: Megan L. Rogers, PhD
CSPAR director, Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH is director of the MSRC Dissemination and Implementation Core.
July, 2020
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For those of you who have been curious about our TACTICS study, please see the protocol paper that has just been published.
To link to this article: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32330670/ |
We are pleased to announce the publication of,
Dissemination and Implementation of Suicide Research in the Department of Defense: Perspective from the Military Suicide Research Consortium in the Military Behavioral Health journal!
CSPAR director, Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH is director of the MSRC Dissemination and Implementation Core.
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2020.1796860
For further information and questions about this article, please contact the MSRC D&I Core at msrcdni@uw.edu
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CSPAR's faculty member, Mark Reger, PhD, was promoted to Professor! Congratulations Mark!!
June, 2020
CSPAR's director, Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH, talks about Gen Z's view toward social media in a recent piece in The Atlantic about the current Millennial mental-health crisis. Click here to access this article!
April, 2020
CSPAR's faculty member, Mark Reger, PhD, has a new opinion piece in JAMA Psychiatry. Click here to access this piece!
October, 2019
Click on the links below to read about and listen to one of CSPAR's directors, Chris DeCou, PhD, discuss the need for the general public's awareness of suicide prevention.komonews.com/news/newsradio/local-psychologist-one-conversation-could-be-the-difference-in-saving-someones-life
- UW Medicine | Newsroom Article: Anyone can learn suicide-intervention tactics
- KOMO News Interview: Local psychologist: One conversation could be the difference in saving someone's life
September, 2019
From our newly formed Center for Suicide Prevention and Recovery (CSPAR), Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH, and Martina Fruhbauerova, BS, just wrote a viewpoint article on new health services for Borderline Personality Disorder that was published in Psychiatric Services. Click here to view the article!
August, 2019
Save the date! On September 10, Amanda Kerbrat, MSW, LICSW, CSPAR's Research Scientist, will be leading a workshop at the World Suicide Prevention Conference hosted by UW's Forefront. The workshop titled, "What if it's that Simple? Non-Demanding Caring Contacts for Suicide Prevention" will address practical considerations for implementation such as the target population, message content, delivery options, and contact modality (e.g., postal mail, email and text messages). Click here to view the event page and read more about the workshop.
Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the SPARC Trial will compare Safety Planning Intervention with and without Caring Contacts from a suicide hotline. Dr. Kate Comtois (Co-I) and CSPAR will be providing support on the study design and Caring Contacts for this study to improve suicide prevention in the rural West. Project summary: This research will compare two evidence-based approaches to prevent suicide: (1) safety planning plus follow-up support from a suicide prevention hotline, versus (2) safety planning alone. Safety planning involves patients who have considered suicide working with their providers to develop an action plan that they can use if they have thoughts of taking their life in the future. The follow-up intervention will include a phone call from a suicide prevention hotline specialist and a series of supportive text messages sent to the patient every week or two for about a year. Our goal is to determine which approach works best to reduce the risk of suicide, improve the patient’s quality of life, and ensure they are getting appropriate mental health treatment. We also want to see if the effect of these interventions is different for adolescents compared to adults. Click here for more information about the project!
The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense's Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide was newly updated. The guideline describes critical decision points and provides evidence-based recommendations--including Caring Contacts--for practitioners throughout the VA and DoD Health Care systems.
- VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide (PDF)
- CPG Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide (website)
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), a part of the Executive Office of the President, is requesting information for the National Research Strategy for the President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End the National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS). Click here to read more about it and find out how you can contribute!
July, 2019
New posting from MSRC's Blog: Research in Action, "TEC-TEC: An app for evaluative conditioning"
One barrier to large-scale suicide prevention is that most existing interventions cannot easily reach the millions of people who may be at high risk for suicidality. To take a step toward addressing this long-standing problem, Dr. Joseph C. Franklin and colleagues developed a brief, game-like, app-based intervention for nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injurious behaviors... Continue reading
One barrier to large-scale suicide prevention is that most existing interventions cannot easily reach the millions of people who may be at high risk for suicidality. To take a step toward addressing this long-standing problem, Dr. Joseph C. Franklin and colleagues developed a brief, game-like, app-based intervention for nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injurious behaviors... Continue reading
Gavin Crowell-Williamson et al.'s (2019) article, "Perceived burdensomeness, bullying, and suicidal ideation in suicidal military personnel" has been published! Abstract: Objective: Suicide is a major public health concern among military servicemembers and previous research has demonstrated an association between bullying and suicide. This study evaluated the association between workplace bullying and suicidal ideation via perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness which were hypothesized to mediate this association. Method: Four hundred and seventy‐one suicidal Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines completed self‐report measures of suicidal ideation, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and bullying. A series of regressions were used to test the hypothesized mediation model using the baseline data from a larger clinical trial. Results: Perceived burdensomeness was a significant mediator of the association between bullying and the level of suicidal ideation, but thwarted belongingness was not a significant mediator. Conclusions: Perceived burdensomeness may represent a malleable target for intervention to prevent suicide among military service members, and should be evaluated further as an intervening variable with regard to suicidality in the setting of bullying victimization. Click here to read the full article on Wiley Online Library.
June, 2019
New posting from MSRC's Blog: Research in Action: "A Window to Hope (WToH)"
Based on the need for treatments for Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), Colorado researchers led by Dr. Lisa A. Brenner, Ph.D., ABPP, Rp, of the Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education & Clinical Center (MIRECC) and University of Colorado published a series of investigations that examined psychological treatments to prevent suicide among Veterans with moderate to severe TBI... Continue reading
Based on the need for treatments for Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), Colorado researchers led by Dr. Lisa A. Brenner, Ph.D., ABPP, Rp, of the Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education & Clinical Center (MIRECC) and University of Colorado published a series of investigations that examined psychological treatments to prevent suicide among Veterans with moderate to severe TBI... Continue reading
Martina Fruhbauerova et al.'s (2019) article, "Borderline personality disorder and self-directed violence in a sample of suicidal army soldiers" has been published! Abstract: There has been a sharp increase in the military suicide rates in 2004. While, borderline personality disorder (BPD) has a stronger association with suicide attempts than any other mental health disorder, there is limited evidence concerning the prevalence and scope of BPD symptoms among military personnel. This secondary data analysis compared active duty suicidal soldiers to characterize the presence-absence of BPD diagnostic criteria and lifetime history of self-directed violence in a suicidal military sample. The current study examined data of 137 active Service Members with significant suicidal ideation. Approximately one-quarter of the soldiers in this sample met full diagnostic criteria for BPD. The presence of BPD criteria was generally consistent among participants with BPD who reported past self-directed violence relative to those who did not. The number of BPD criteria was a significant predictor of the odds of reporting any nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) as well as the amount of NSSI, but was not associated with suicide attempt. This study demonstrated that a nontrivial proportion of suicidal soldiers meet criteria for this condition, which is strongly associated with self-directed violence. It is important to rigorously assess for the presence-absence of BPD criteria among suicidal military personnel and cultivate prevention strategies and treatment options for BPD. Click here to read the full article on PubMed.
The Military Suicide Research Consortium hosted a Dissemination Science Institute to address the need for Effective Health Communication Strategies.
Pictured to the right are CSPAR collaborators, Thomas Joiner and Pete Gutierrez. Read more about the DSI, here!
Pictured to the right are CSPAR collaborators, Thomas Joiner and Pete Gutierrez. Read more about the DSI, here!
May, 2019
New posting from MSRC's Blog: Research in Action, "Crisis Response Plan"
Craig Bryan, PsyD, ABPP, of the University of Utah’s National Center for Veterans Studies has published multiple studies investigating the effectiveness of the crisis response plan (CRP), a brief intervention designed to reduce suicidal behaviors... Continue reading
Craig Bryan, PsyD, ABPP, of the University of Utah’s National Center for Veterans Studies has published multiple studies investigating the effectiveness of the crisis response plan (CRP), a brief intervention designed to reduce suicidal behaviors... Continue reading
Click here to read the The Daily's article about "Honoring the life and legacy of groundbreaking psychologist Marsha Linehan"!
CSPAR director, Kate Comtois, gave a talk at Marsha's retirement celebration, click here to view it.
Pictured below are a few of the many special moments from Marsha's retirement event:
CSPAR director, Kate Comtois, gave a talk at Marsha's retirement celebration, click here to view it.
Pictured below are a few of the many special moments from Marsha's retirement event:
Kate presenting, "Marsha Linehan: Four Major Contributions"
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L to R: Sarah Landes (CSPaR collaborator), Marsha Linehan (CSPaR collaborator), and Kate Comtois (PI)
Kate's last slide reads, "Thank you, Marsha, for being my mentor, always having my back, and making me better"
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April, 2019
New posting from MSRC's Blog: Research in Action, "The Improved Virtual Hope Box (VHB)"
Patients under treatment for psychological health issues sometimes experience episodes of significant distress in their everyday lives while away from the clinic and immediate care. This poses a dilemma for a provider. How can psychological coping skills best be made available for those unpredictable, remote and potentially serious situations? One convenient tool that many providers recommend to their patients is the Virtual Hope Box (VHB)... Continue reading
Patients under treatment for psychological health issues sometimes experience episodes of significant distress in their everyday lives while away from the clinic and immediate care. This poses a dilemma for a provider. How can psychological coping skills best be made available for those unpredictable, remote and potentially serious situations? One convenient tool that many providers recommend to their patients is the Virtual Hope Box (VHB)... Continue reading
CSPAR attended the 52nd Annual Conference for the American Association of Suicidology! Pictured below is our team presenting their research at the conference.
JAMA Network's Clinical Trials Update writes about our lab's latest publication, Effect of Augmenting Standard Care for Military Personnel With Brief Caring Text Messages for Suicide Prevention: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Read their review, "Caring Text Messages for Preventing Suicides" here!
March, 2019
New posting from MSRC's Blog: Research in Action, "Preventing Suicide in the National Guard"
Suicide is a concern across the military, but the problem is particularly severe in the National Guard. As such, Mike Anestis, PhD and Brad Green, PhD of the University of Southern Mississippi designed a study to better understand factors underlying suicide risk within the National Guard. They collected data from approximately 1,000 National Guard personnel (77.7% male, 59.5% white) and their results highlighted areas they believe represent vital targets for suicide prevention... Continue reading
Suicide is a concern across the military, but the problem is particularly severe in the National Guard. As such, Mike Anestis, PhD and Brad Green, PhD of the University of Southern Mississippi designed a study to better understand factors underlying suicide risk within the National Guard. They collected data from approximately 1,000 National Guard personnel (77.7% male, 59.5% white) and their results highlighted areas they believe represent vital targets for suicide prevention... Continue reading
February, 2019
New posting from MSRC's Blog: Research in Action, "Caring Contacts: A simple, scalable intervention to reduce suicidal ideation and attempts"
...Based on Motto’s intervention, but using 21st-century technology, Comtois and colleagues conducted a randomized controlled trial of a Caring Contacts via text message intervention with active duty Soldiers and Marines at risk for suicide... Continue reading
...Based on Motto’s intervention, but using 21st-century technology, Comtois and colleagues conducted a randomized controlled trial of a Caring Contacts via text message intervention with active duty Soldiers and Marines at risk for suicide... Continue reading
The main outcome paper form the Military Continuity Project (MCP) has been published in JAMA Psychiatry! Click the links below to view the article as well as other media associated with this project:
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JAMA Psychiatry Article: Effect of Augmenting Standard Care for Military Personnel With Brief Caring Text Messages for Suicide Prevention: A Randomized Clinical Trial
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JAMA Psychiatry Twitter Announcement: Does a text message-based intervention (Caring Contacts) reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors among active-duty military personnel?
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JAMA Psychiatry Podcast: Interview with Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH, and Amanda H. Kerbrat, MSW, author of Effect of Augmenting Standard Care for Military Personnel With Brief Caring Text Messages for Suicide Prevention: A Randomized Clinical Trial
January, 2019
New posting from MSRC's Blog: Research in Action, "Individuals at high risk for suicide are categorically distinct from those at low risk"
In clinical practice, providers tend to somewhat arbitrarily put clients into low, moderate, and high risk categories based upon their perceived suicide risk. Although these categorizations seem to make sense on the surface, they have not led to meaningful decreases in suicide attempts or deaths by suicide... Continue reading
In clinical practice, providers tend to somewhat arbitrarily put clients into low, moderate, and high risk categories based upon their perceived suicide risk. Although these categorizations seem to make sense on the surface, they have not led to meaningful decreases in suicide attempts or deaths by suicide... Continue reading
