The Relationship between Race, Ethnicity, and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Students at Institutions of Higher Education in the U.S.

Abstract

We review the published literature on the relationship between race and ethnicity and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among students enrolled at institutions of higher education in the United States. College students with certain racial and ethnic identities have a higher prevalence of past-year suicidal ideation (Asian, Black or African American, multiracial, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander) and past-year suicide attempts (Asian, Black or African American, multiracial, and Hispanic) than White students. There is a lack of evidence about racial and ethnic differences in suicide deaths. More research is needed to understand factors that contribute to the racial and ethnic disparities in suicidal thoughts and behaviors among college students. Identifying modifiable risk factors that may be specific to college students will ultimately reduce suicide deaths and guide the development of more effective suicide prevention programs across diverse racial and ethnic groups of students.