Summary
This review provides some highlights of the association between
traumatic exposures and the risk of suicidal behaviors. Research
can be extremely relevant for purposes of informing the development
and implementation of programs and treatments that target
particular populations. For children who have experienced sexual
or physical abuse, it is important to consider that both genders
are at risk for future suicidal behaviors. In particular, individuals
with substance dependence may be at heightened risk if they
also experienced traumatic experiences during childhood. The
potential for protective factors to reduce the risk of suicidal
behaviors in children with a history of sexual abuse provides a
compelling argument for further research in this area. The literature
from military and veteran populations provides evidence that
these are important populations in which to consider assessing
for suicidal behaviors. Although the lack of specificity about the
nature of wartime exposures makes it difficult to identify particular
subpopulations that may be at heightened risk, being wounded
clearly demonstrates a graded increase in risk of suicide. Veteran
populations from the current wars are clearly a priority for assessment
and intervention. At the same time, Vietnam era veterans are
an aging cohort, and therefore entering a time period during the life
course when there is a known elevated risk for suicidal behaviors,
especially among men. And finally, there is less information on the
relationship between traumatic experiences in select populations,
but it does appear that members of these groups warrant further
investigations into potential interventions that could be delivered
under special circumstances.