Examining the Complexities of Suicidal Behavior in the African American Community

Rates of suicide among African American men have increased dramatically in the past 20 years. The changes in rates for African American youth have motivated researchers to investigate protective & risk factors associated with suicide. In light of some of the current findings that identify religious participation as a protective factor against suicide for African Americans, an alternative perspective is provided that examines the contribution of spirituality & specific religious practices on gender differences in suicide risk. (83 refs.)