Explaining Changes in the Patterns of Black Suicide in the United States From 1981 to 2002: an age, Cohort, and Period Analysis

To explore the different trends of suicide among Blacks & possible contributing factors, this study compared national epidemiologic data in the USA from 1981-2002. Cohort effects were found for males & females, suggesting that younger generations of Blacks are at higher risk. If younger cohorts carry their increased suicide risk into later life, the recent decline in Black suicide rates will be reversed. The results of this sutdy are only interpretable in terms of group-level characteristics & population suicide rates. The possible explanation & implications for prevention & future research are discussed. (74 refs.)