Protective Factors Among Rural and Remote Soldiers: A Critical Phenomenological Perspective on Suicidality in Alaska.

INTRODUCTION: Active duty Army soldiers in Alaska have experienced elevated levels of suicidality in past years. Contributing risks are associated with age, trauma histories, and Army military service. Meaningful and culturally relevant protective factors must be promoted, developed, and reinforced to mitigate suicidality successfully. This study aims to understand what service members in Alaska perceive as protective factors against suicide risk among fellow soldiers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To answer the research question, a critical phenomenological methodology was applied through purposeful sampling of active duty soldiers from low-risk units in Alaska. Semi-structured interviews provided a transformative dialogue eliciting narratives about participants' experiences that protect against the risk of suicidality. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. RESULTS: From the data, themes and sub-themes emerged, creating a narrative of protective factors against suicide risk among fellow soldiers. Healthy professional and personal relationships cultivate perseverance within the Army culture on station, as 2 themes. In turn, they form the themes of preparing for the Arctic mission, valuing the mission, and planning and maintaining an effective, purposeful operational tempo. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to knowledge of protective factors against suicidality, which may generate new qualitative and quantitative expertise. From a critical phenomenological perspective, future research may include exploring the concept of social death concerning suicidality. As Army nurses are diverse in background, practice, and care environment, this new knowledge can inform nursing practice and policy that attends to protective factors.