Funding

Team: Cain, S.M. (PI), Cramer, R.J. (Co-I), & Cacace, S. (Co-I)

Funder: American Public Health Association; NVDRS New Investigator Research Award

Total amount: $7,000

The leading theory used to explain suicidal thoughts and behaviors is the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS) (Joiner, 2005; Van Orden et al., 2010). The ITS proposes that suicidal ideation transitions to death by suicide when a person experiences thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability (Van Orden et al., 2010). Though the theory is supported for suicidal ideation and attempts, a need exists to test whether ITS can explain suicide deaths (Chu et al., 2017). This proposal will use the NVDRS to answer the following research questions (1) How well does the ITS, as defined by available theoretically-supported NVDRS indicators, fit violent deaths?, and (2) Does the ITS fit better in explaining suicide deaths compared to deaths of undetermined intent?

Team: Cramer, R.J. (PI), Cacace, S., Bowling, J., Post, A., & Peiper, L.J.

Funder: North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections

Total amount: $410,003

The overall goal of this proposal is to design, implement, and revise the Core Competency Model for Corrections (CCM-C), an evidence-based SDV prevention training program for correctional mental health providers in the NC Department of Adult Corrections. The specific aims are: (1) To create the CCM-C training program, (2) To assess preliminary training effectiveness, and (3) To gather training program quality improvement feedback from corrections stakeholders.

Team: Montanaro, E. (MPI), Mennicke, A. (MPI), Moxie, J. (Co-I), & McGonagle, A. (Co-I)

Funder: National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA)

Total amount: $415,769

Problematic alcohol use (PAU) is a common and serious health issue among college students, leading to negative outcomes such as assault, alcohol use disorders, and even death. Although PAU often occurs in group settings, bystanders frequently choose not to intervene. Little is known about why, when, or where this lack of response occurs, as there are no existing measures to assess bystander behavior in the context of PAU. Understanding these dynamics is critically needed before effective bystander interventions can be developed and evaluated. Our team developed the Bystander Intervention for Problematic Alcohol Use Model (BIPAUM) and tested a battery of scales to assess some constructs in the model. However, additional constructs were identified through our qualitative work, and corresponding scales need to be developed and tested. The specific aims of this project are to:

1. Develop measures for constructs such as Notice and Interpret, Identify Intervention Strategy, Assess Support, and Assess Outcomes.
2. Establish the psychometric properties and validate the remaining scales.
3. Establish measurement invariance of the scales.

Team:  Hileman, M.M., Sperry, H., Wilcox, M., Wilson, S…, & Cramer, R.J. (Co-I)

Funder: Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Suicide Prevention Program (SPP), Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (OMHSP)

Total amount: $1,182,217 ($50,100.00 subcontract)

Team: Bowling*, J. (PI), Mennicke, A. (Co-I), Gunn, L., & Edwards, K.

Funder: National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (R15)

Total amount: $452,587

Abstract: Sexual and gender minority (e.g. lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer; SGM) emerging adults (18-25 years) experience sexual violence at a rate nearly double that of their heterosexual, cisgender peers. SGM emerging adults who receive a negative social reaction after disclosure of SV have increased levels of hazardous drinking as well as negative mental health outcomes. To decrease excessive alcohol use and improve mental health among SGM survivors of sexual violence, we will reconstruct an existing intervention (SSS), with promising but mixed effects in an initial pilot, to be delivered to SGM emerging adults, which aims to improve the social reaction they provide to SGM survivors of sexual violence.