Veteran Suicide Prevention Research: Harnessing the Power of Intimate Partner Support
Written by Andrea Horsman
October 3, 2024
OIBR Affiliate Brian Bauer and OIBR Distinguished Scholar Justin Lavner, both clinical psychology faculty at the University of Georgia, are leading an innovative study aimed at helping veterans and their romantic partners manage mental health crises. Funded by the Department of Defense, the project introduces a novel intervention called Couple-Based Crisis Response Planning (CRP-C) that focuses on reducing crisis symptoms to ultimately decrease suicide risk.
Crisis Response Planning and Its Evolution
Crisis Response Planning (CRP) is an evidence-based intervention designed to teach individuals how to recognize warning signs of an impending mental health crisis and how to cope effectively. While CRP has been effective in reducing suicidal behaviors, Bauer and Lavner aim to enhance it by incorporating veterans’ partners into the planning process.
Research shows that intimate partners are often the first people veterans confide in during mental health crises, yet they are rarely part of traditional interventions. CRP-C seeks to change this by creating a shared safety plan between veterans and their partners. By involving both individuals, the intervention hopes to provide stronger support and better early detection of crisis symptoms, ultimately reducing the risk of suicide.
Targeting Crisis Symptoms and Reducing Stigma
One of the study’s key innovations is its focus on crisis symptoms—acute changes in agitation, irritability, insomnia, and social withdrawal—rather than explicit suicidal ideation. Many veterans are hesitant to disclose suicidal thoughts due to stigma, making it challenging for traditional interventions to reach them. Bauer and Lavner’s approach to targeting these less-stigmatized symptoms seeks to engage a broader population of veterans who may not openly seek help but still show early signs of a potential crisis.
Additionally, the researchers are testing how to effectively advertise the CRP-C. They believe that presenting it as a way to manage early crisis symptoms, rather than suicide prevention, will make veterans more comfortable participating in the program.
Virtual Delivery and Accessibility
Another key feature of the study is its virtual format. By using live Zoom sessions, Bauer and Lavner aim to make CRP-C accessible to veterans across Georgia, including those in rural areas. This format reduces logistical barriers such as travel and scheduling conflicts, which are often challenges for in-person interventions.
The study will recruit 50 veteran couples, with half participating in CRP-C and the other half in a traditional individual format. This setup will allow researchers to compare both methods and assess their effectiveness in reducing crisis symptoms and preventing suicide.
Collaborative Expertise and the Role of the OIBR Grant Development Program
Bauer and Lavner bring complementary expertise to the project. Bauer, an expert in suicide prevention, contributes his knowledge of CRP, while Lavner, a relationship researcher, focuses on how couples manage stress and support one another. Together, they created an intervention that addresses both the individual and
relational aspects of mental health crises.
“Having more eyes on the problem can be incredibly beneficial,” Bauer explains. “A partner can notice early
warning signs and offer support before a crisis escalates.”
Both Bauer and Lavner are graduates of the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR) Grant Development Program, a two-year program at the University of Georgia designed to help faculty secure external research funding. Open to UGA social science faculty who have not yet received significant extramural support, the program provides participants with workshops, seminars, and individualized guidance to develop and submit a competitive grant proposal as Principal Investigator.
Bauer and Lavner credit the program with helping them refine their grant skills and successfully secure funding for their Department of Defense project.
“The OIBR Grant Development Program was instrumental in helping us secure this grant,” Bauer notes. “The structured support and feedback we received gave us the foundation to develop a competitive proposal.”
Veteran-Led Community Input
To ensure CRP-C is tailored to veterans’ needs, Bauer and Lavner have partnered with a married veteran couple who will lead a Community Advisory Board. The Community Advisory Board will provide feedback on how to refine CRP-C and make sure it resonates with the veteran community. They will also help inform the study’s advertising strategy, which is crucial in reaching veterans who may be reluctant to seek help due to stigma.
Study Timeline and Expected Outcomes
The study is set to run over three years, with couples participating in the intervention for three months. During this time, veterans will complete daily assessments and follow-up evaluations to track their progress. Bauer and Lavner anticipate seeing reductions in crisis symptoms—such as agitation and irritability—within the first month, offering both immediate and long-term benefits.
If successful, CRP-C could be integrated into existing care pipelines at VA facilities, providing a more approachable and effective intervention for veterans and their families. The virtual delivery model also offers scalability, potentially allowing the intervention to be expanded to veterans across the country in the future.
Broader Implications for Suicide Prevention
Bauer and Lavner’s study has the potential to transform the way mental health crises are managed. By involving romantic partners and focusing on early symptoms rather than explicit suicidal ideation, their intervention aims to prevent crises from escalating into life-threatening situations. Additionally, the study offers valuable insights into reducing stigma around mental health and increasing engagement with supportive interventions.