Developmental assets and mental health among black sexual minority male adolescents: A dominance analysis of depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors

Abstract

This study examined associations between developmental assets and mental health outcomes among Black sexual minority male (BSMM) adolescents aged 14–17 in the Midwestern United States. Data were collected through an online survey of 383 participants. Dominance analysis was employed to evaluate the relative contributions of multiple developmental assets, including positive identity, social competencies, family support, positive values, and mattering and belonging, as well as depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors. Results indicated that positive identity demonstrated the strongest relative contribution to both depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors. Social competencies and family support also contributed meaningfully to variation in suicidal behaviors, whereas mattering and belonging and positive values showed minor but notable contributions to depressive symptoms. Correlation analyses indicated that higher levels of positive identity, social competencies, and family support were associated with lower depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors. Covariate-adjusted regression models further indicated that positive identity and mattering and belonging remained significantly associated with suicidal behaviors, whereas positive identity and food insecurity were associated with depressive symptoms. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of both relational and identity-based developmental assets in promoting mental health among BSMM adolescents. Identifying which assets demonstrate the greatest relative importance provides insights for developing culturally responsive, strengths-based interventions aimed at reducing suicide risk and improving mental health outcomes among BSMM youth.