Exploring emotion regulation strategies for suicidal servicemembers

Real-Time Assessment of Emotion Regulation Strategies Used by Suicidal Military Personnel

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University · NCT05722197

This study is testing a one-time session to help servicemembers who are having suicidal thoughts learn better ways to manage their emotions and see if it can reduce those thoughts over time.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment334 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT05722197 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Crisis Response Planning, a one-session intervention aimed at enhancing emotion regulation among servicemembers experiencing suicidal ideation. It seeks to identify personalized strategies that can reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors by promoting positive emotional responses and social support. The study will utilize ecological momentary assessment to gather real-time data on the use of these strategies and their impact on suicidal ideation over time. By understanding which strategies are most effective in specific situations, the research aims to improve suicide prevention efforts within the military population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are active-duty servicemembers aged 18 and older who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have a recent history of suicide attempts.

Not a fit: Patients currently engaged in mental health treatment or those with certain psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce suicidal ideation and attempts among servicemembers by identifying effective emotion regulation strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using emotion regulation strategies to address suicidality, but this specific approach within a military context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Currently serving in any Branch or Component of the U.S. military
* \>18 years old;
* Score ≥ 5 on the Scale for Suicidal Ideation and/or endorse a suicide attempt, aborted attempt, or interrupted attempt within the past month on the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview-Revised (SITBI-R)
* Ability and willingness to complete research-related activities remotely
* Regular access to an Android or Apple smartphone that is compatible with the ecological momentary assessment application

Exclusion Criteria:

* Engagement in mental health treatment within the past year (including taking psychotropic medications)
* A psychiatric or medical condition that preventing providing informed consent or from participating in the treatments (e.g., psychosis, mania, acute intoxication); or - Expecting to separate from the military within 90 days

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Suicidal IdeationTreatment RefusalEmotion Regulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.