Traditionally, Black Americans have faced a significantly lower risk of suicide compared to their white counterparts. But increasing factors like bullying, community violence, and "neglectful" parenting are contributing to a broader trend of mental health crises among youth in disadvantaged communities, according to a new study led by Case Western Reserve University. The key finding: an "alarming" increase in suicidality among Black youth in American cities.
Our findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions that address the multiple, intersecting factors contributing to this crisis." Dexter Voisin, study's primary researcher, dean of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve The research, published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners , surveyed 114 Black adolescents and their caregivers on Chicago's South Side between 2013-14. Risk factors identified include depression, bullying, exposure to community violence and "neglectful" parenting.
The study's use of a matched data set-;comparing perspectives from both adolescents and their caregivers-;made the research particularly rigorous, Voisin said. Other takeaways: Nearly one in seven youths reported suicidal thoughts within the past week. From 2018-21, the suicide rate among Black youth increased 37%, and suicide ideation and attempt-related medical visits rose 84%.
Solutions include focusing on mental health support, violence prevention and strengthening fami.