Race Differences in Strains Associated with Suicidal Behavior among Adolescents

Abstract

Rising adolescent suicide rates have prompted scholars and practitioners to identify predictive strains. Resulting profiles of suicidal adolescents often assume that a single model is applicable to all adolescent subgroups. Although scholars have repeatedly suggested that suicidal processes may vary for Blacks and Whites, few researchers have examined race differences in suicidal correlates. No studies have tested for process differences by race among adolescents specifically. This study examines social strains contributing to suicidal behavior among adolescents by race. Results support the presence of process differences and delineate the specific nature of these differences. Results hold theoretical and interventionist implications for the contextual nature of suicide among adolescents.