A 3-Year Longitudinal Study Examining the Effect of Resilience on Suicidality in Veterans

Background This study prospectively evaluated the correlation and role of resilience and resilience factors in predicting suicidal ideation and attempts in veterans. Methods In this 3-year longitudinal study, 178 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans were evaluated for a number of clinical and demographic variables. Longitudinal follow-up was performed at approximately 3 years. Results Resilience at the initial assessment predicted lower suicidality at follow-up, controlling for suicidality at the initial assessment, suggesting a protective effect for resilience. With respect to specific domains of resilience, secure relationships and positive acceptance of change significantly predicted lower suicidality. Conclusions These findings have important implications for clinical care and for guiding future research efforts to increase resilience among returning soldiers.