(PS9-D90) The Effects of Intersecting Identities on History of Suicide Attempts in Black Adults

Suicide rates are increasing among Black Americans. Specifically, there has been an increase in suicide rates for Black women aged 25-34 years old, where it is the sixth leading cause of death for this population. Literature has examined risk factors for suicide amongst Black populations in general, however there is less focus on looking at protective factors and how race and gender intersect with each other. Using data from a large nationally representative sample, this study examined gender differences in suicide attempt (SA) history among Black adults.

Participants were 7,766 Black individuals (59.4% female) with an average age of 43.4 years (SD = 16.26). SA history was examined with two variables: ever attempted and never attempted suicide. Aside from sex, demographic factors included age, sexual attraction/sexual orientation, and sexual partners. Chi-square was used to examine differences in whether Black individuals ever (versus never) attempted suicide.

Of the participants who provided a response for whether they ever attempted suicide, 100 Black males (3.2%) and 245 Black females (5.3%) reported a history of SA. A greater percent of females reported a SA history than males (χ²(1, N = 7,726) = 20.17, p < .001). The average age of the first SA was 23.2 years (SD = 10.91) among males and 21.1 years (SD = 8.94) among females; when examined categorically, most males first attempted suicide between 18-29 years (44.8%) and most females first attempted suicide between 5-17 years (46.8%). When examining males and females separately, 20-29- and 45-64-year-old males were more likely to ever attempt suicide relative to other age groups (χ²(4, N = 3,136) = 18.25, p = .001). Comparatively, 30-44- and 45-64-year-old females to ever attempt suicide relative to other age groups (χ²(4, N = 4,590) = 23.88, p < .001). Furthermore, among those who reported attempting suicide, the average number of SA for males was 1.9 (SD=2.25) and 2.0 (SD=2.24) for females. Regarding sexual attraction/sexual orientation, Black males who indicated that they were mostly attracted to the opposite sex, equally attracted to males and females, or mostly or only attracted to the same sex were more likely to ever attempt suicide (χ²(4, N = 3,116) = 28.55, p < .001). Comparatively, Black females who were mostly attracted to the opposite sex or to the same sex, or equally attracted to males and females were more likely to attempt suicide (χ²(4, N = 4,561) = 52.43, p < .001). Concerning sexual partners, Black males whose partners were of the same sex or both males and females were more likely to have ever attempted suicide (χ²(3, N = 3,114) = 58.79, p < .001). Females whose partners were of both sexes were more likely to have ever attempted suicide (χ²(3, N = 4,548) = 82.07, p < .001).

This study showcased how intersecting identities are important to consider when looking at protective factors for suicide amongst Black populations. It also highlights the differences not only in gender but also sexual orientation, particularly for Black men. Future research should examine what mediates these relationships to help develop appropriate treatments and intervention for this population.