Predicting Suicide Plans and Attempts Across Racial/Ethnic Groups Using the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey: Are the Facilitators and Protectors the Same?

• In Event: Examining Indicators of Emotional Well-Being in Underserved Subgroups and Communities of Youth

Abstract

The etiology of suicide among youth is a complex issue influenced by several factor at cultural, structural, and individual levels. While we know that youth from different racial/ethnic groups face a differential risk of both thinking about, attempting, and committing suicide, there is very little research that has examined whether the factors that both protect against and increase the likelihood of suicide are similar or different across racial/ethnic subgroups. Using the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), this paper first predicts the probability of making a suicide plan and attempting suicide for a full sample using the variables known to affect this probability including previous childhood abuse, emotional well-being, social bonds (e.g., to family and school), and other demographic characteristics. Next, racial/ethnic identity-specific models are examined to determine the etiological similarities and differences that exist in predicting these outcome variables across subgroups. Limitations and suggestions for policy and future research are discussed.

Authors

• Ronet Bachman, University of Delaware

• Mominul Haque, University of Delaware

• Rochelle Brittingham, University of Delaware

• Sophia Uribe Gonzalez, University of Delaware