Pilot study of suicide risk factors among personnel in the United States Marine Corps (Pacific forces)

Author(s): Mateczun, J. M., Lall, R., Wilcove, G. L.

Journal/Book: Psychol Rep. 1998; 83: P O Box 9229, Missoula, MT 59807. Psychological Reports. 3-11.

Abstract: Risk factors for suicide among active-duty members oi the United States Marine Corps were investigated. Three groups were suicide attempters (n = 172), completers (n=22), and a nonpsychiatric comparison group (n=384). A series of multiple regression and discriminant analyses were conducted to assess whether any of 137 selected risk-factors differentiated the suicidal group from the comparison group. The following factors differentiated suicide attempters and completers from the comparison group and were associated with increased suicide risk: History of Abuse, Neglect, or Rejection, Lower Performance Evaluation, Symptoms of Depression, No History of Gambling Behavior, Younger Age, History of Alcohol Abuse, and Hopelessness. A discriminant analysis using these seven variables resulted in a 77% accuracy rate. When evaluating variables that could be obtained by a review of military records alone, three variables differentiated the attempters and completers from die comparison group, Lower Performance Evaluation, Younger Age, and a History of Military or Legal Problems. These variables correctly classified 73% of the sample. Implications for suicide-risk assessment for individuals in the Marine Corps are provided.

Note: Article Holmes EK, USN Acad, Leadership Eth & Law Dept, 112 Cooper Rd, Annapolis,MD 21402 USA

Keyword(s): SAN-DIEGO SUICIDE; MILITARY; YOUNG

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