Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Criminology

Major Professor

Jessica Grosholz, Ph.D.

Co-Major Professor

Ráchael Powers, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Richard Moule, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Mateus Renno Santos, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Stephanie Bonnes, Ph.D.

Keywords

Sexual Assault, Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Suicide, theory

Abstract

Suicide remains a major public health concern, particularly among military personnel and veterans, who experience elevated risk compared to civilian populations. Military sexual trauma (MST), defined as sexual assault or harassment during military service, is a significant risk factor for suicidality, yet less is known about how characteristics such as recency and revictimization influence suicide severity. This study aimed to examine the relationship between MST victimization and suicide severity and to evaluate whether the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide explains suicide severity among MST victims. Using data from a large military sample, logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted to assess associations between MST, suicide severity, mental health conditions, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and IPTS constructs.

MST victimization was significantly associated with increased likelihood of suicidal ideation but was not directly associated with suicide attempts. Mental health conditions and NSSI mediated the relationship between MST and suicide severity, with NSSI emerging as the strongest predictor of progression from ideation to attempts. Preliminary patterns suggest that, although women were more likely to experience MST, men who experienced MST were more likely to experience suicidal ideation and make a suicide attempt. MST recency and revictimization did not significantly predict suicide severity. Consistent with IPTS, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were associated with suicidal ideation, while capability for suicide was more closely associated with suicide attempts. These findings suggest that MST increases suicide risk primarily by increasing suicidal ideation through psychological distress and maladaptive coping. Results highlight the importance of early identification, mental health intervention, and targeted prevention efforts among MST victims to reduce suicide risk in military populations.

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