Racial discrimination and suicidal ideation among rural Black emerging adult men

• In Event: Internalizing problems among African American adolescents and emerging adults

Abstract

Racial discrimination and suicidal ideation among rural Black emerging adult men
Introduction: Suicide has remained a leading cause of death among African American males, yet empirical investigations that focus on the experiences of this group are limited. Low-SES Black men in particular experience pervasive and persistent threats to their well-being during emerging adulthood that can affect their experience of depression and suicidal ideation. The rural Black men who are the focus of the present study live in small towns and rural communities in Georgia characterized by widespread poverty. Resource-poor rural environments can take a toll on Black men during the emerging adult transition. For men with little stake in conventional educational or occupational systems, the transition to independent adult roles can be a demoralizing and protracted process that increases their risk for suicidal ideation. The present study utilized prospective data to examine the influence of social instability and racial discrimination on rural Black men’s report of suicidal ideation
Hypotheses: We expected that social instability (e.g., disengagement from school and work, frequent moves, economic distress) and experiences of racial discrimination would forecast suicidal ideation independent of baseline levels suicidal ideation and depression.
Study Population: Participants included 428 emerging adult Black men recruited from low income, rural communities in South Georgia.
Methods: Men provided data on their suicidal ideation, depression, social instability, and racial discrimination at age 21 and again at age 23 using audio-assisted computer self-interviews. Hypotheses were tested with logistic regression analyses.
Results: Logistic analysis supported our hypotheses. Time 1 racial discrimination (OR = 1.07, p < .05) and social instability (OR = 1.30, p < .05) predicted the likelihood of suicidal ideation at Time 2 independent of Time 1 depression and suicidal ideation
Conclusions: Transitioning to productive adult roles in challenging rural contexts along with experiences of racial discrimination take a toll on Black men’s mental health and may induce a sense of hopelessness and frustration that manifests in suicidal ideation.

Author

• Steven M. Kogan, University of Georgia
  Presenting Author