Arch Suicide Res. 2023 Oct-Dec;27(4):1261-1277. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2022.2114868. Epub 2022 Aug 25.
Suicide among Black adolescent youth has steadily increased in recent years, yet few studies describe how facets of social identity shape suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) during this critical stage of development. Ethnic identity represents an underexplored, yet important element of social identity among Black youth that may contribute to differential associations with STBs. This study examined the association between ethnic identity and self-reported suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts.
Data were drawn from 1,170 African American ( = 810) and Caribbean Black ( = 368) adolescents aged 13-17 (Mean age = 15) that participated in the National Survey of American Life Adolescent supplement study.
Using latent profile analyses, three patterns of ethnic identity were identified: Undifferentiated, Low Ethnic Identification, and Alienated. Caribbean Black adolescents were more likely to be in the Low Ethnic Identification class relative to the Undifferentiated class. Adolescents in the Undifferentiated group reported higher proportions of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts compared to the remaining latent profile groups.
Findings demonstrate that ethnic identity is an important aspect of social identity that can influence STBs among Black adolescents. Considering increased suicide attempts and death rates among Black youth, findings underscore the importance of examining culturally relevant developmental processes that may shape suicidal beliefs and behaviors.
近年来，黑人青少年的自杀率稳步上升，但很少有研究描述社会认同的哪些方面在这一关键发展阶段塑造了自杀念头和行为（STB）。种族认同是黑人青年社会认同中一个尚未得到充分探索但很重要的因素，它可能与 STB 存在差异相关。本研究考察了种族认同与自我报告的自杀意念、计划和尝试之间的关联。
数据来自于参加美国生活全国调查青少年补充研究的 1170 名非裔美国（ = 810）和加勒比黑种人（ = 368）青少年（年龄 13-17 岁，平均年龄 = 15 岁）。
使用潜在剖面分析，确定了三种种族认同模式：未分化、低种族认同和疏离。与未分化类相比，加勒比黑种人更有可能属于低种族认同类。与其余潜在剖面群体相比，未分化群体报告的自杀意念、计划和尝试比例更高。
研究结果表明，种族认同是社会认同的一个重要方面，它可以影响黑人青少年的 STB。考虑到黑人青年自杀率和死亡率的增加，研究结果强调了研究可能影响自杀信念和行为的文化相关发展过程的重要性。
