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.