Blog posts with the tag "Research"

Staff Perspective: Protective Factors for Veterans at Risk for Suicide

By Marjorie Weinstock  on 17.09.2025 12:04 pm

In our suicide prevention trainings at CDP, we discuss current theories of suicide risk, specifically emphasizing those of that fall within the “ideation-to-action framework” (Klonsky & May, 2016). This framework posits that the development of suicidal ideation and the progression from ideation to suicide attempts are distinct processes with distinct explanations. In conjunction with this discussion, we also spend a substantial amount of time talking about risk and protective factors, both in the civilian population and among military-connected individuals.

Staff Perspective: A Deeper Look at the Connections Between Stress, Trauma, and Suicide in Young Adults: New Research Findings

By Linda Thompson  on 10.09.2025 11:09 am
Dr. Linda Thompson

Suicide is a serious public health concern, especially for young adults who have experienced trauma. While a history of trauma can be a risk factor for suicide, we have a limited understanding of the specific mechanisms through which stress responses might contribute to this heightened risk. In a recent study, my colleagues and I investigated the links between suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and how individuals respond emotionally and physically to stress.

Staff Perspective: Moral Distress and Moral Injury - How Prevalent Are They in U.S. Veterans?

By Paula Domenici  on 27.08.2025 12:00 pm

Moral injury remains a murky concept, despite the growing body of literature on this important topic. While there’s not a consensus on exactly what moral injury is, Phelps et al. (2024) describe it as enduring psychological, social, and spiritual distress that can occur when individuals are exposed to high-pressure situations that violate or clash with their deeply-held moral beliefs or values. Moral injury may stem from one’s own actions or inactions, the actions of others, or a perceived betrayal by trusted leaders or institutions. In military contexts, including those with complex rules of engagement, moral injury may occur after engaging in or witnessing acts that conflict with one’s sense of right and wrong, such as causing harm to civilians, being unable to prevent the loss of life, seeing human suffering, or feeling deeply misled by command.

Research at CDP: Developing the Morally Injurious Life Events Checklist

By  on 26.08.2025 9:47 am

We are excited to share the launch of a study focusing on the development of a new research tool, the Morally Injurious Life Events Checklist (MILEC). The MILEC, developed by the research team at the Center for Deployment Psychology, is designed to deepen our understanding of moral injury.

Staff Perspective: Sleep Isn’t Optional, It’s Operational

By Jaime Rodden  on 06.08.2025 9:45 am
Jaime Rodden

Most of us have struggled with getting enough sleep at some point, but when you compare sleep habits between civilians and service members, the difference is striking. While about a third of the general population reports not getting the recommended seven hours of sleep per night, the number jumps to more than 85% among service members.

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