Date
4-7-2026
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Master of Arts in Composition (MA)
Chair
Ernest Enchelmayer
Keywords
Rhetoric, Suicide Prevention, Writing-Based Intervention, Military Chaplaincy, Spiritual Resilience, Navy Leadership, Pastoral Care, Military Mental Health, Culture of Excellence, Qualitative Research, Ethical Leadership, Communication in Crisis
Disciplines
Counseling | English Language and Literature
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Herode Jean-Vilien, "Rhetorical Strategies in Writing-Based Suicide Prevention: A Qualitative Study for Navy Chaplains and Command Leadership in Region East" (2026). Masters Theses. 1443.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/1443
Abstract
Suicide prevention remains a critical challenge within military environments, particularly in operational settings where communication between leaders and service members often occurs under conditions of stress and urgency. While the United States Navy has implemented numerous prevention initiatives, limited attention has been given to the role of written communication as a relational and persuasive tool in crisis response. This study examines how rhetorical strategies influence writing-based suicide prevention communication within Navy Recruiting Command Region East. Drawing on classical rhetorical theory and contemporary communication research, the study explores how tone, clarity, message structure, and audience awareness shape the effectiveness of crisis messaging. Using a qualitative research design, the study combines document analysis of prevention communication materials with focus group discussions involving chaplains and command leaders responsible for composing crisis messages. The analysis identifies recurring patterns in communication practices and highlights several rhetorical features associated with effective prevention messaging, including credibility signals, dignity-centered language, clear action steps, and expressions of shared identity and care.
The findings suggest that writing functions as an important leadership tool in suicide prevention efforts when messages reduce stigma, promote trust, and clearly guide individuals toward available resources. The study proposes a practical writing guide to assist chaplains and leaders in crafting compassionate and effective crisis communication. These findings contribute to efforts to strengthen leadership communication and support help-seeking behavior among service members experiencing psychological distress.
