Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Yvonne Chase

Abstract

The Department of Defense is challenged to decrease rising suicide rates in all branches of military service. Studies have consistently shown interpersonal risk factors versus intrapsychic factors as strong indicators of suicide risk, yet the practice has not focused on loneliness as a treatment focus for increased risk. This study explored clinical social workers’ view of loneliness as experienced in patients who are active-duty airmen to identify prevention, coping, and treatment strategies for managing suicides. The methodology involved a semistructured interview of 10 active duty licensed clinical social workers with greater than two years of experience working within a mental health element of Air Force base mental health clinics. The findings of this study showed that the participants viewed loneliness as a risk factor for suicide. Multiple terminologies were used to describe characteristics that equate to perceived loneliness as experiences of suicidal patients, such as experiencing isolation, not being connected, lacking support, being geographically separated from family/friends/peers, feeling distant, and lacking belongingness. The study’s findings indicated that loneliness, coupled with intrapsychic or interpersonal issues, was related to elevated suicide risk and should therefore be a significant part or focus of assessment and treatment. Results indicated that for positive social change assessment and treatment for loneliness should be a focus for suicide prevention.

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