Citation

Spates K. Sociol. Compass 2011; 5(5): 336-350.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1751-9020.2011.00372.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on African-American women's suicide rates. This topic is often neglected due to African-American women's low rates of suicide occurrence. This review seeks to answer the call for increased scientific inquiry on matters related to African-American women and suicide. The author begins by identifying complex dynamics surrounding African-American women's unique social position in order to establish a better understanding of how socio-cultural influences are addressed in the literature in relation to the suicide paradox. Both theoretical and empirical studies are thoroughly assessed in order to identify the risk and protective factors exclusive to African-American women. The literature concludes that a history of mental disorders, particularly depression, a history of physical and emotional abuse, and a history of alcohol and substance abuse have all proven significant in increasing the risk of suicidal behavior among African-American women. Untreated depression continues to be the leading cause of suicide among African-American women. Contrarily, the literature identifies religious/spiritual beliefs, strong social ties, low rates of suicide acceptability, and unique coping strategies developed as a result of longstanding oppressive conditions as primary reasons for African-American women's exceptionally low suicide rates. © 2011 The Author. Sociology Compass © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Language: en