Does Single Motherhood Protect Against Black Female Suicide?

Abstract

Although sociological studies of suicide among non-White groups have become more common over the past two to three decades, Black females have not been widely studied since they have fairly low rates of suicide. Although researchers have begun identifying social factors that impact Black female suicide rates, the present study extends the research done by Nisbet (1996) regarding how being a single mother is related to Black female suicide rates. Specifically, the hypothesis that single motherhood among Black females is inversely related to Black female suicide rates is tested. Results suggest that single motherhood among Black females is related to lower rates of suicide among Black females. A sociological explanation for this phenomenon is offered.