Army STARRS - Phase II Launches in 2011
What is it'
The Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS) is the largest study of mental health risk and resilience factors ever conducted among military personnel. Carried out in partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the study's goal is to identify - as quickly as possible - factors that protect or pose risks to Soldiers' emotional well-being and mental health. This study is part of the Army's commitment to promote the overall health of Soldiers and to prevent suicide across the Army.
Soldier confidentiality is essential. Any information that could identify a Soldier will be separated from surveys and other study materials. All collected information will be combined and reported only in the aggregate, which will preserve Soldiers' anonymity. Leadership will NOT see individual answers.
Soldier participation is strictly voluntary. However, the greater the number of Soldiers who join the study, the more successful researchers will be in identifying the risk and protective factors that affect Soldiers' psychological well-being.
What has Army done'
The Army has provided Army STARRS researchers with thousands of historical health and administrative records (with identification information removed to protect Soldiers' confidentiality) that the researchers are examining to identify risk and protective factors related to psychological resilience, mental health, risky behaviors and suicide.
What will the Army do'
Beginning in 2011, Army installations will host the Army STARRS research team as it launches phase two of the study: gathering information from active-duty Soldiers each month - including mobilized Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. The information will describe Soldiers' psychological and physical health, exposure to events, attitudes, social support, leadership and unit climate, training and knowledge, employment and economic status, family history and other potentially relevant areas. Researchers will seek parallel information from new Soldiers entering the Army.
Some participants may be followed over time, and the information gathered will help identify characteristics, events, experiences, and exposures that may predict which individuals will experience mental health challenges.
Why is this important to the Army'
The study is part of the Army's commitment to providing the Army family with the resources it needs to stay mentally fit. The study results are expected to provide a wealth of information about risk and protective factors for psychological well-being that the Army can quickly apply to its health promotion, risk reduction, and suicide prevention efforts.
Resource:
<a href="http://www.ArmySTARRS.org" target="_blank"> Army STARRS </a>
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