The Moderating Effects of Self-Compassion on the Relationship Between Shame and Depression in Military Populations

The U.S. Military has faced a continuous rise in mental health concerns reported by service members and veterans (Currier et al., 2017; Rosenheck & Fontana, 2007). Studies of military personnel have found that up to 15% of service members meet the criteria for experiencing depression (Shen et al., 2012). Often, individuals with military experience face numerous stressors that positively contribute to this experience of depression and feelings of shame (Bradbard et al., 2014; Litz et al., 2009). Military culture (often emphasizing shame related to mental health) has also been found to put military personnel at higher risk of experiencing depression in the first place (Jakupcak et al., 2014; Lineberry & O’Connor, 2012). In recent years, self-compassion literature has emerged, showing evidence for its protective effects on mood, functioning, and experiencing distress (Liu et al., 2020; Neff, 2003b; Rutter et al., 2023). Despite this supporting evidence, no study, to our knowledge, has examined self-compassion as a protective factor for the experience of depression in military service members. In an attempt to address this gap and add valuable insight into the current literature by exploring these relationships, for this study, U.S. active duty service members and veterans completed self-report survey measures to assess their experiences of global shame, depression, and self-compassion. A total of 407 participants’ data was included in the study’s analyses. Quantitative survey data indicated that shame was significantly correlated to depression. Additionally, self-compassion was significantly inversely related to shame and depression. Moderation analyses, however, did not indicate that self-compassion moderates the relationship between shame and depression. The effects of gender identity and rurality status on the moderating effect were also explored and discussed, as well as the clinical implications of such findings and future directions

Substance Misuse and Suicidal Behaviors in an LGBTQIA+ Sample: Examining the Buffering Effects of Psychological Flexibility and Emotional Regulation

Suicidal behaviors among LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly in the context of substance misuse, present a significant area of exploration for mental health research and intervention. It is particularly important to evaluate factors capable of moderating this relationship, to promote more culturally affirming prevention models. This study aimed to explore the moderating roles of emotion regulation (ER) and psychological flexibility in the relationship between substance misuse and suicidal behaviors within the LGBTQIA+ community. Data were collected from 537 LGBTQIA+ adults through an online survey platform. Participants were asked to self-report on measures assessing the constructs of interest. The analysis focused on understanding how ER and psychological flexibility might buffer the adverse effects of substance misuse on suicidal behaviors. Results highlighted a significant moderating effect for ER. Notably, the relationship between substance misuse and suicidal behaviors varies as a function of difficulties in regulating emotions. At low levels of difficulty in regulating emotions, the relationship between substance misuse and suicidal behaviors weakens. This finding underscores the importance of ER as a protective factor and suggests that interventions aiming to enhance ER skills could be particularly beneficial for reducing suicidal behaviors in the LGBTQIA+ population. In contrast, psychological flexibility did not show a significant moderating effect, prompting further investigation into its role and potential conditions under which it might act as a protective factor. These findings contribute valuable insights to the literature, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that address both substance misuse concerns and difficulties in ER to help LGBTQIA+ individuals manage the risk of suicide. Future research directions and clinical implications are discussed, advocating for a nuanced understanding of protective factors for suicide, especially among LGBTQIA+ individuals engaging in substance misuse behaviors

Connecting the Dots: Sharing Hidden Histories of Regional Inventors’ Patents

Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) support inventors, entrepreneurs, and researchers with patent and trademark information. Some PTRCs share regional patent history as part of their community outreach. This article focuses on PTRCs that have developed online databases and published works documenting regional patents, thereby providing hidden historical insights for historians, genealogists, and students. It spotlights the development of Georgiavation, a historic patent database developed by the PTRC at Georgia Southern University. Finally, this article offers guidance for libraries, museums, and other institutions interested in documenting their state or regional patent histories. This can result in a more inclusive narrative of innovation in the United States, supporting discussions around equity, regional business trends, and educational outreach. By documenting previously overlooked inventors, the project aligns with initiatives to promote racial equity and support underserved communities, reinforcing the importance of inclusive historical narratives in the context of technological innovation

Mr. David Pearsall

Death Notice for Mr. David Pearsall at James R. Barnes Mortuaryhttps://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/willowhillheritage-obituaries/8915/thumbnail.jp

Code of Student Conduct 24-25

The University may apply sanctions or take other appropriate action when the Conduct of a Student and/or Student Organization or Student Group interferes with the University\u27s (a) responsibility of ensuring the opportunity for attainment of educational objectives; or (b) responsibility of protecting property, keeping records, providing services, and sponsoring non-classroom activities such as lectures, concerts, athletic events, and social functions. Georgia Southern University reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of the campus community