Initial pilot study at West Point explores potential suicide prevention screening method

Suicide among the military community is an issue of significant concern, particularly given its disproportionate impact on service members compared to the civilian population. The stigma around discussing mental health and separation from service is a considerable barrier to treatment, often resulting in guarded and misleading responses that undermine effective intervention strategies.

Recognizing this challenge, Class of 2024 Cadet Shayla Bonzelet is pioneering an innovative approach to enhance suicide screenings.

In collaboration with her advisor, Dr. Joel Cartwright, research psychologist, and Col. Kate Conkey, academy professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership (BS&L), and Dr. John Richardson with the non-profit organization “Stop Soldier Suicide,” Bonzelet has combined self-administered screening questionnaires and physiological sensors.

The study engaged 38 anonymous cadet participants, consisting of 11 females and 27 males, who were asked a mix of ‘sensitive’ and ’non-sensitive’ questions.

Non-sensitive questions were benign, such as inquiring about a favorite color, while sensitive questions delved into topics like adverse childhood experiences and the Brief Suicide Cognition Scale for suicidal ideation assessment.

During these sessions, the research team employed advanced physiological tracking tools, including eye tracking, facial expression analysis and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), to gauge the participants’ reactions. This data allowed Bonzelet to identify distinct physiological responses to sensitive versus non-sensitive questions, providing insights beyond the verbal answers.

Although it is a preliminary study, the findings are promising. The team observed that while participants tended to spend more time on non-sensitive questions, the variation in response times was greater for sensitive questions, suggesting a measurable physiological impact when discussing more personal issues.

Bonzelet highlighted the importance of this research in addressing the military’s notably higher suicide rates (71.8%) compared to the civilian sector.

“I've learned invaluable lessons both professionally and personally. Professionally, it taught me the importance of collaboration and how to effectively ask for help, which was crucial for navigating the complexities of this sensitive subject,” Bonzelet said. “On a personal level, the experience was eye-opening. The responses to the more difficult questions made me realize that these struggles could belong to anyone — my classmates, my friends, even those in my own company. It underscored a powerful truth: You really don't know what people are going through. This has been a profound reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our approach to mental health in the military.”

By understanding and mitigating the factors contributing to these rates, the project aims to offer life-saving interventions and reduce the stigma associated with mental health discussions in the military.

The research was presented at West Point’s 25th annual Projects Day Research Symposium on May 2, an event showcasing over 450 cadet-led projects across all academic disciplines.

As the research enters its next phase, Bonzelet remains committed to refining the approach in collaboration with Dr. Cartwright and his team, aiming to develop an effective framework for suicide screenings that respects the complexities of mental health in military settings.

For further details about the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point, visit West Point BSL. More information about the Projects Day Research Symposium can be found here. To learn how to partner with West Point, click here.