Ecological Contexts and Suicidality among Marginalized African American Youth

Abstract

Drawing data from a sample of African American youth and their caregivers, the study investigated youth suicidality in social contexts. Results show that approximately one-seventh of these youth reported suicidality. Multivariate analyses show that depressive symptoms, bullying victimization, exposure to violence, and neglectful parenting were positively linked with a higher risk of suicidality, whereas receiving public assistance was negatively related to suicidality. The findings suggest the need to assess youth suicidality risk from an ecological perspective. They also necessitate a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention, including strengthening families to enhance child support and care.