Risk and protective factors for suicidal behavior in abused African American women.
This study examined risk and protective factors that differentiate low-income, abused African American women (N = 200) who attempted suicide from those who had never made a suicide attempt. Results from multivariate analyses revealed that numerous and/or severe negative life events, a history of child maltreatment, high levels of psychological distress and depression, hopelessness about the future, and alcohol and drug problems were factors associated with attempter status. Protective factors associated with nonattempter status included hopefulness, self-efficacy, coping skills, social support, and effectiveness in obtaining material resources. Culturally competent intervention approaches for abused women should target increasing their protective factors and reducing their risk factors to decrease the likelihood that these women engage in suicidal behavior.
Kaslow
Nadine J
NJ
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Grady Health System, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA. nkaslow@emory.edu
Thompson
Martie P
MP
Okun
Alexandra
A
Price
Ann
A
Young
Sharon
S
Bender
Marnette
M
Wyckoff
Sarah
S
Twomey
Heather
H
Goldin
Jennifer
J
Parker
Ruth
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology