The Great Black Hope: Hope and its Relation to Suicide Risk Among African Americans

This study examines the relationship between hope & a specific theory of suicide in African Americans. It was hypothesized that: 1) hope would hegatively predict the interpersonal suicide risk factors of burdensomeness & thwarted belongingness; & positively predict acquired capability to enact suicide; 2) hope would negatively predict suicide ideation; & 3) the interpersonal suicide risk factors would predict suicide ideation. Results were primarily as predicted. Implications for hope theory & Joiner’s theory of suicidal behaviour are discussed, as well as implications for clinical practice. (35 refs.) JA