Suicidal Behavior Among African American College Students: a Preliminary Study

This preliminary study examined suicidality in 233 African American college students attending a historically Black college. Results indicate suicidality in this population is similar to that in white American college students with 2 critical exceptions: African American students report less suicide ideation & fewer African Americans use alcohol or illicit drugs while making a suicide attempt. Issues pertaining to the role of the supportive Black insitution in ameliorating the stress associated with suicidal behaviour & methodological concerns are discussed. (42 refs.)