Behavioral researchers help Army combat suicides

The desire to "end intense emotional suffering" was among the top factors cited by Soldiers who had at some point attempted suicide, according to researchers from the University of Utah, who interviewed 132 Soldiers at Fort Carson, Colo. Soldiers in emotional pain should call 1-800-TALK (8255). The help is free and their privacy and confidentiality are protected.

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 19, 2012) -- The desire to "end intense emotional suffering" was among the top factors cited by Soldiers who had at some point attempted suicide, according to researchers from the University of Utah, who interviewed 132 Soldiers at Fort Carson, Colo.

While the preliminary findings are informative, they are not altogether unexpected and it is hard to draw conclusions from a relatively small sampling, said Bruce Shahbaz, the special assistant to the director of Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention, Army G-1.

Shahbaz, a former combat medic, is not authorized to comment in detail about the study until it is published in a behavioral health journal later this summer.

So what contributes to "intense emotional suffering?"

"The most reoccurring stressor we've found over the last several years is psychological pain related to a failed relationship," said Shahbaz. He explained that a failed relationship could include anything from marital problems or girlfriend/boyfriend issues, to the loss of a parent or an extremely close friend.


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