Understanding how aggressive behavior affects suicide risk in veterans
Official title: Predicting Suicide Behavior Among High-Risk Veterans Using a Multimethod Assessment of Reactive Aggression
Funded at Olin Teague Veterans Center · NIH-11072056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how reacting aggressively when provoked might be connected to thoughts and actions related to suicide in veterans who are at higher risk, with the goal of finding better ways to help and support them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Olin Teague Veterans Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Temple, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK1CX002650-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who exhibit high levels of reactive aggression and are at risk for suicide.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of aggressive behavior or are not at risk for suicide may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between reactive aggression—aggressive responses to provocation—and suicide behaviors among veterans who are at high risk for suicide. By using a multimethod assessment approach, the study aims to gather comprehensive data on aggression and its relationship to suicidal thoughts and actions. The research will analyze self-reported aggression levels while considering past suicide attempts, providing a deeper understanding of these complex behaviors. The findings could lead to improved prevention strategies tailored specifically for veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and prevention strategies for suicide among veterans.
How similar studies have gone: While the association between aggression and suicide has been studied in civilians, this specific focus on veterans and reactive aggression is relatively novel and underexplored.
Where this research is happening
-
Olin Teague Veterans Center
Temple, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krauss, Alison — Olin Teague Veterans Center
- Study coordinator: Krauss, Alison
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding Invisible Suicide Risks in Youth: A National Study in Guyana
A nationwide study in Guyana aims to learn about hidden factors that contribute to suicide risk among young people so we can prevent tragedy.
-
Mobile safety planning for at-risk young adults
A digital, text-based safety planning program for young adults (ages 18–24) to help prevent suicide and stay connected to support.
-
Reducing firearm suicide among Veterans with peer-delivered counseling
A VA-funded project tests whether peer-delivered counseling helps Veterans store firearms more securely and reduces suicide risk.
-
How School Cellphone Rules Might Affect Youth Suicide and Violence
A study will look at whether restricting students’ use of cellphones at school influences rates of suicidal thoughts and interpersonal violence among youth.
-
INCLUSAVE: helping young adults with IDD access suicide-prevention trainings
A new NIH grant studies whether two proven gatekeeper trainings (ASIST and safeTALK) can be delivered in inclusive settings to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
-
A universal school program to help middle schoolers stay emotionally regulated and safer
A school-based program teaches students calming skills to reduce violence and thoughts of self-harm, tested in a randomized trial with middle schoolers.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.