Predictors of Unbearability, Unlovability, and Unsolvability in Veterans With Military-Sexual-Trauma-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Jessica Wiblin, Nicholas Holder, Ryan Holliday, Alina Surís

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Military sexual trauma (MST) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) both increase risk for suicidal self-directed violence (SDV). Suicide cognitions (i.e., unbearability, unlovability, and unsolvability) are strong predictors of future suicidal SDV. The present study investigated potential predictors of unbearability, unlovability, and unsolvability in veterans with MST-related PTSD. Suicide cognitions, depression, PTSD, quality of life, trauma-related negative cognitions, physical health functioning, mental health functioning, and childhood sexual assault were assessed in 12 male and 103 female veterans with MST-related PTSD. Higher depression scores, greater trauma-related negative cognitions about self, and poorer physical health functioning predicted increased unbearability scores. Greater trauma-related negative cognitions about self and self-blame, higher level of education, and higher depression scores predicted increased unlovability scores. Higher depression scores and greater trauma-related negative cognitions about self predicted increased unsolvability scores. In veterans with MST-related PTSD who express unbearability, unlovability, and unsolvability, assessing and addressing depression, trauma-related negative cognitions about self and self-blame, and physical health functioning may be an important step in reducing SDV.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3814-3830
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence
Volume36
Issue number7-8
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2021

Keywords

  • PTSD
  • mental health and violence
  • sexual assault

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Applied Psychology

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