Are Army Recruiters at High Risk for Suicide?

Suicide and occupational stress among military personnel continue to be a pressing matter, yet research has given inadequate focus to the unique stressors faced by Army recruiters. Even with the emphasis on military suicide, minimal consideration has been given to the mental impact of occupational stress on this specific group, causing a disconnect in recognizing how their occupational stressors may result in suicidal ideation and suicide. This descriptive phenomenological qualitative study researched the occupational stressors experienced by 13 United States Army recruiters, exploring their prospective role as risk factors for suicidal ideation. This research study used semi-structured interviews framed within role theory to explore key stressors, including the influence of political dynamics, the pressure of mission requirements, and the understanding that not all individuals are compatible for a career in the Army. The findings indicate that eight of thirteen participants reported experiencing stress. Three participants indicated they did not experience stress, and two responded that they felt stress to an extent. The findings of this research have multiple implications. From a psychological perspective, the findings emphasize the stressors faced by Army recruiters, identifying the magnitude of targeted mental health treatments and support systems. Furthermore, the data from this study supports the field of occupational stress theory, providing insights that could strengthen models of workplace stress such as identifying the specific stressors recruiters cope with and informing recruitment process.