Young African-American Male Suicide Prevention and Spirituality

Abstract

This article addresses the increased rates of suicide among young African American males during the 1980s and 1990s that has influenced a call for suicide prevention strategies. A review of the literature about substance abuse as a risk factor for the trauma of suicidal behavior and spirituality as a potential protective factor are discussed. An original report of research findings by the authors, which suggest a relationship between spirituality and healthy drug attitudes, are discussed along with implications for suicide prevention programs with young African Americans.