Suicidality Protective Factors for African American Adolescents: A Systematic Review of the Research Literature

Abstract

Overall rates of African American adolescent suicide have been increasing for the past 50 years; however, the research literature examining factors related to suicide for these vulnerable youth is sparse. The shortage of research literature on suicidality protective factors is particularly significant. Little is known about the impact of protective factors on African American youth, especially within subgroups (e.g., gender and socioeconomic status). Approximately 40% of African American youth live in poverty, exposing them to contextual stressors that place them at increased risk for suicidality. Females are significantly more likely to have suicidal ideation and make attempts, whereas males surpass females in their rates of completions. To better understand suicidality protective factors, we conducted a systematic review of the research literature on protective factors for African American adolescents, with a focus on gender differences and urban, low-income youth. This review yielded 26 articles that met inclusion criteria and identified protective factors in the following categories: familial, religiosity-based, relational/social, personal, and socioecological. Gender differences and protective factors for urban, low-income youth are discussed, regarding their role in the prevention of suicidality. This review highlights a need for further research to identify and clarify suicidality protective factors for African American adolescents.

Suicide in young people: screening, risk assessment, and intervention

“…Factors protecting against suicide in young people remain poorly understood. Family cohesion, increased access to care, faith/spiritual factors, cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation skills, and strong interpersonal relationships have been identified as conferring protection against suicidal behavior in young people 1136373839. Although negative aspects of the internet/social media have generated concern, potential positive aspects such as connection, reduced isolation, and community may prove to be protective 40.…”

Early Age of Cannabis Initiation and Its Association With Suicidal Behaviors

“…We selected a broad range of psychiatric and psychosocial covariates that are known to be associated with suicidal ideation and behaviors. Models included participant report of regular lifetime smoking (100 or more times), 32 lifetime diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), 33 income, 34,35 education, 36 age, and race. 15,37 Income was coded as 1 representing low income of <$30 000 and 0 representing income ⩾ $30 000.…”

Associations Between Family Factors, Social Integration, and Suicidal Ideation Across the Life Course of an Urban African American Cohort

“…Empirical evidence further has supported the conclusion that family and social factors contribute to the development of mental health problems and suicidality at various points in the life course (Chang et al, 2017;Opara et al, 2020), including in African American families (Droege et al, 2017;Odafe et al, 2016). Odafe et al (2017) examined the role of social support as a moderator between the association of race-related stress and hopelessness in a sample of African American adults (N = 243).…”

“…Such risk factors include social and contextual factors, such as community deprivation and stigma (Crosby & Molock, 2006; Jones-Eversley et al, 2020; Singh & Siahpush, 2014). On average, African Americans are more frequently exposed to violence, and traumatic stress (Droege et al, 2017; Morrison & Downey, 2000), yet are less likely to seek mental health treatment for depression or suicidal ideation than Caucasians (Balis & Postolache, 2008; Wang et al, 2016). The focus on modifiable risk factors specific to African Americans is necessary to improve prevention programming efforts.…”