Overcoming hesitancy to disclose suicide risk among Veterans

The concealment of suicidal ideation constitutes a significant barrier to reducing veteran deaths by suicide and is associated with fear of negative consequences (e.g., involuntary hospitalization). In his dissertation study, Dr. Brock Tucker found that augmenting informed consent for mental health treatment with psychoeducation aimed to help patients achieve a more realistic risk appraisal of consequences associated with disclosure of suicidal ideation, decreased hesitancy to disclose suicidal ideation, and related risk behaviors among U.S. Veterans. Dr. Tucker is a combat Veteran, and his research helps to highlight how members of communities are uniquely prepared to conduct research and serve the behavioral health needs of their communities.  This study is published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior (Tucker & Gonzalez, 2024).