Suicide is a multifaceted issue and its prevention requires addressing multiple
contributors. Currently, it is the third leading cause of death worldwide for those ages
15-44, the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the eighth leading
cause of death among U. S. men. Among African American males aged 20-44, suicide is
the third, fifth, and sixth leading cause of death, respectively, when categorizing the age
groups as follows: 20-24, 25-34, 35-44.
Given the published data, a public health focus exists regarding suicide
prevention among racial/ethnic minorities and vulnerable populations. The jail
population is especially vulnerable to suicide. Few studies have focused, however, on
addressing suicidal behavior among African American males, in general, nor those
incarcerated. To reinforce prevention, a need exists to examine preceding behavior to
suicide, specifically suicide attempts.
Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to investigate risk and protective
factors associated with suicide and suicide attempts among African American males,
including those that are incarcerated. To fulfill the purpose, two components were executed: a systematic literature review and an empirical study. Within the empirical
study, two research questions were designed to illuminate differences regarding sociodemographic,
criminal, and psychosocial characteristics between Black male suicide
attempters and Black male non-attempters, White male attempters, and Black female
attempters. Data from the 2002 Survey of Inmates in Local Jails was used for analysis.
Results from the literature review indicated nine suicidal risk and protective
factors for African American males. The empirical study isolated three suicidal
protective factors (completing at least a high school or college education, drug
trafficking) and two risk factors (depression and mental disorders) that differentiated
African American male suicide attempters from non-attempters. Preventing suicides can
occur by preventing the first attempt or preventing recurrent attempts. The dissertation
provides critical information to assist in accomplishing this endeavor by illuminating
risk and protective factors. Suicide research requires public health attention and
intervention. Moreover, a collaborative approach is necessary. Research and practice
efforts must begin now to thwart the increasing rate of suicide among adult African
American males.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1325 |
| Date | 15 May 2009 |
| Creators | Rowell, Kyrel Lashea |
| Contributors | Guidry, Jeffrey |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Book, Thesis, Electronic Dissertation, text |
| Format | electronic, application/pdf, born digital |
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