Relationship of Suicide Exposure with Depression, Anxiety, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Across Three Occupational Groups
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Presenter: Rosalie S. Aldrich, Ph.D.
Abstract
Exposure to trauma has been linked to increased risk for suicidal ideation and death by suicide. The impact of suicide exposure is theorized to lie on a continuum, with effects extending beyond the decedent’s closest family members. There is growing evidence that exposure to the suicide of non-family members is associated with poor mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety) and suicidal behavior. Type and frequency of exposure may also increase the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD). The current study examines the relationship of suicide exposure with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder across three occupational groups likely to be exposed to suicide: first responders, crisis workers, and mental health professionals. Participants were recruited through a snowball sample. Data were collected in an online anonymous survey completed by 1,048 participants. Of those 64.8% were first responders; 25.4% were mental health professionals; and 9.8% were crisis workers. First responders reported substantially more exposure than mental health professionals and crisis workers. First responders, mental health professionals, and crisis workers were exposed to suicide in the routine course of their occupation, specifically 77.5% of all participants. Exposure to suicide significantly impacted mental health, specifically on depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. The results of this study begin to illuminate the relationship between suicide exposure and mental health outcomes among first responders, crisis workers, and mental health professionals.
Biographical Statement
Dr. Rosalie S. Aldrich’s research expertise is in suicide prevention and intervention -- more specifically, the willingness to intervene with a suicidal individual. She was one of the first researchers to investigate the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; Ajzen 1991) in suicide prevention. Dr. Aldrich created the Willingness to Intervene against Suicide (WIS) questionnaire, which is based on the TPB constructs: attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention. The questionnaire was validated with a national sample of over 1,000 college students using confirmatory factor analysis. The WIS has been used by doctoral students, other researchers, and organizations in different countries. Across populations, the questionnaire consistently predicts intention to intervene with a suicidal individual.
Dr. Aldrich is also working with colleagues at the University of Kentucky on three projects related to suicide prevention and intervention. Other projects underway include ongoing collaboration with Dr. Dianne Moneypenny examining proficiency in Spanish and language anxiety in both seated and online courses. Another project examines the use of social media during elections and the impact it has on mental health and interpersonal relationships. Finally, she is working on creating, implementing, and assessing suicide prevention curriculum in a Physician Assistant program at Wake Forest State University.