Year: 2006 Source: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, v.36, no.5, (October 2006), p.553-568 SIEC No: 20070434

This study investigated whether locus of control, hopelessness & depression were primary risk factors for suicide ideation & attempts in African American youth, & whether congruency between locus of control & religious coping style reduced suicide risk. The sample consisted of 176 African American high school students. Depression was found to mediate the relationship between hopelessness & suicidal behaviours. External locus of control led to greater risk for hopelessness & depression with a trend in the predicted direction for suicide attempts. Results highlight the importance of examining the role of culturally salient variables when developing intervention programs. (59 refs.)