African‐American Women and Suicide: A Review and Critique of the Literature

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on African‐American women’s suicide rates. This topic is often neglected due to African‐American women’s low rates of suicide occurrence. This review seeks to answer the call for increased scientific inquiry on matters related to African‐American women and suicide. The author begins by identifying complex dynamics surrounding African‐American women’s unique social position in order to establish a better understanding of how socio‐cultural influences are addressed in the literature in relation to the suicide paradox. Both theoretical and empirical studies are thoroughly assessed in order to identify the risk and protective factors exclusive to African‐American women. The literature concludes that a history of mental disorders, particularly depression, a history of physical and emotional abuse, and a history of alcohol and substance abuse have all proven significant in increasing the risk of suicidal behavior among African‐American women. Untreated depression continues to be the leading cause of suicide among African‐American women. Contrarily, the literature identifies religious/spiritual beliefs, strong social ties, low rates of suicide acceptability, and unique coping strategies developed as a result of longstanding oppressive conditions as primary reasons for African‐American women’s exceptionally low suicide rates.

Religious Involvement and DSM-IV 12-Month and Lifetime Major Depressive Disorder Among African Americans

“…Although there is an emerging body of research on religious participation and psychological disorders, this is the first paper on religious participation and DSM-IV MDD among a national sample of African Americans. The findings are consistent with previous research on both African Americans (Chatters et al, 2008, 2009; Ellison et al, 2008; Krause, 2008; Spates, 2011; Tabak & Mickelson, 2009; Taylor et al, 2007) and whites (George, 2011; Koenig et al 1994; McCullough & Larson, 1999; Smith et al, 2003) which shows that religious participation is a protective factor for mental health and mental illness.…”

“…Further, given characteristically high levels of religious behaviors and coping strategies (Bediako et al, 2010; Chatters et al, 2008, 2011; Krause & Chatters, 2005; Taylor & Chatters, 2011; Taylor et al, 2004) within this group, the effect of religion on depression and other mental health outcomes may be especially robust (Chatters et al, 2008, 2009; Krause 2008; Spates, 2011; Tabak & Mickelson, 2009; Taylor et al, 2007). Although religious involvement is generally beneficial for psychosocial and mental health outcomes among African Americans (Chatters et al, 2008, 2009; Ellison et al, 2008; Krause, 2008; Spates, 2011; Tabak & Mickelson, 2009; Taylor et al, 2007), only a few studies specifically examine the association between religious involvement and depression (i.e., depressive symptoms, MDD). In a series of studies, Brown (Brown & Gary, 1985; Brown et al, 1990) and colleagues found that depressive symptoms were inversely related to religious involvement (e.g., attendance and affiliation) (Brown & Gary, 1994).…”

Mediators of a Culturally-Sensitive Intervention for Suicidal African American Women

“…Experiencing IPV leads to an increase in depressive symptoms, which is associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation among low-income, African American women (Leiner, Compton, Houry, & Kaslow, 2008). African American women are more susceptible than women from other ethnic/racial background to depression (McKnight-Eily et al, 2009) and untreated depression is a risk factor for suicidal behavior in this population, as well as in other ethnic/racial groups (Spates, 2011). …”

Cultural Identity, Africultural Coping Strategies, and Depression as Predictors of Suicidal Ideations and Attempts Among African American Female College Students

“…In their investigation of race, trauma, and suicide attempts, O’Hare, Shen, and Sherrer (2016) found that past trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder were associated with suicide attempts among Hispanics but not African Americans. Despite experiencing some of the highest levels of depression, trauma, and psychological distress, African American women persistently have had the lowest rates of suicide in the United States and throughout the world (Kaslow et al, 2000; Spates, 2011). Few studies, however, have explored how culture and culture-specific coping strategies among African Americans may influence their suicidal behavior.…”