Citation

Holliman BAD, Monteith LL, Spitzer EG, Brenner LA. Sage open 2018; 8(1): e2158244017753506.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/2158244017753506

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

To our knowledge, no studies have examined protective factors for suicide among African American women Veterans. We conducted a qualitative study to identify and describe cultural beliefs and practices that mitigate suicide risk among African American women Veterans. Our sample included 16 African American women Veterans (M age = 53.3) eligible to receive Veterans Health Administration care. The following three themes emerged as being protective against suicide: (a) resilience, (b) social support, and (c) religion. Women described developing resilience from exposure to adversity. Social support primarily entailed informal assistance from family and friends. Finally, religion comprised three subthemes: faith in God, personal practices, and religious beliefs.

RESULTS underscore the importance of specific cultural beliefs and practices as being protective against suicide among African American women Veterans.

Language: en