# Psychological Drivers of Self-Destructive Behaviors in PTSD

> **NIH VA IK2** · VA BOSTON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM · 2022 · —

## Abstract

Self-destructive behaviors are frequently comorbid with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Veterans,
where they are linked to increased distress and impairment. Self-destructive behaviors encompass those with
the potential for immediate injury (e.g., [suicidal and nonsuicidal] self-directed violence) and those with more
distal consequences (e.g., substance use, disordered eating). The proposed research aims to apply advanced
quantitative methods to model interrelations of [PTSD and depressive symptoms] and self-destructive
behaviors at both the group and individual levels. In Aim 1, network models of relations of these constructs will
be developed in a gender-balanced sample of Veterans from all service eras (N = 1,187). Results will identify
which [symptoms bridge (i.e., connect) to suicide-related outcomes and other nonsuicidal self-destructive
behaviors and whether these differ by gender.] Analyses will also test whether baseline bridge symptoms
predict self-destructive behaviors [(specifically suicide-related outcomes)] at 12-month follow-up. Results will
be validated in a separate gender-balanced sample of post-9/11 Veterans (N = 1,494). Aim 2 is to examine
real-time, dynamic changes in network models of PTSD-related constructs and self-destructive behaviors at
the intrapersonal level. A new sample of Veterans (target N = 60, 50% women) who meet criteria for
subthreshold/threshold PTSD and report recent suicidal ideation and at least one other self-destructive
behavior will be recruited to complete an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocol reporting on these
constructs. Multilevel autovector regression analysis techniques will be used to model real-time changes in
networks of PTSD and depressive symptoms, and self-destructive behaviors. The candidate is a postdoctoral
fellow in clinical psychology at the Women’s Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD, VA
Boston Healthcare System. Research and training will take place within the environment of VA Boston
Healthcare System and its academic affiliate, Boston University under the supervision of a distinguished
mentorship team with content and methodological expertise relevant to the proposal. The training aims
associated with this proposal include: 1) Gain advanced knowledge of models of traumatic stress and self-
destructive behaviors; 2) acquire skills in advanced quantitative methods for analyzing complex, multivariate
relations; 3) gain expertise in EMA data collection and analyses; and 4) engage in professional development to
prepare the candidate for a successful career as a VA clinical investigator. The research and training
associated with this CDA2 will prepare the principal investigator to achieve her immediate goal of preparing a
successful VA Research Merit Award application to study the impact of trauma-focused treatments on
mechanisms of self-destructive behaviors identified in this proposal. The candidate’s long-term goal is to
become an expert in ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10481132
- **Project number:** 1IK2CX002439-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** VA BOSTON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
- **Principal Investigator:** Rachel L Zelkowitz
- **Activity code:** IK2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-08-01 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10481132

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10481132, Psychological Drivers of Self-Destructive Behaviors in PTSD (1IK2CX002439-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10481132. Licensed CC0.

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