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Racial differences in self-disclosure of suicidal ideation and reasons for living: implications for training
1Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine 04005, USA. lmorrison@mailbox.une.edu
Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology
|November 23, 2000
Summary
Ethnic minority clients disclose suicidal thoughts less readily than non-minority peers. African Americans report more reasons for living than European Americans, impacting suicide prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Racial disparities exist in mental health care access and outcomes.
- Understanding cultural factors influencing self-disclosure of suicidal ideation is crucial for effective intervention.
- Previous research indicates potential differences in coping mechanisms and reasons for living across racial groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate racial differences in the self-disclosure of suicidal ideation.
- To compare reasons for living between African American and European American college students.
- To inform suicide risk assessment and prevention strategies for ethnic minority populations.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Analyzed archival intake data from a university counseling center, comparing self-disclosure rates of suicidal ideation between ethnic minority and non-minority clients.
- Study 2: Administered the Reasons for Living Inventory (RFL) to African American and European American college students to assess differences in motivations for remaining alive.
Main Results:
- Ethnic minority clients were less likely to self-disclose suicidal ideation voluntarily during intake compared to non-minority clients.
- A significant proportion of ethnic minority clients with suicidal ideation were identified as 'hidden ideators,' requiring specific assessment to reveal their ideation.
- African Americans reported more reasons for living than European Americans, particularly on the moral objections and survival/coping beliefs subscales of the RFL.
Conclusions:
- Suicide risk assessment protocols need refinement to effectively identify suicidal ideation in ethnic minority clients who may not self-disclose readily.
- Culturally sensitive approaches are necessary for suicide prevention and treatment among diverse populations.
- Differences in reasons for living suggest varying protective factors that should be considered in clinical practice.