A Critical Race Theory Interpretation of the Black Youth Suicide Epidemic in the United States: A Scoping Review Open Access

Abstract

Suicide, intentional self-injury with the motivation to die, is the third leading cause of death among Black youth aged 24 and younger. However, it is severely understudied, and as a result, not fully understood yet. The purpose of this thesis is to understand the influence of structural racism on the suicidal risk and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) of Black youth living in the United States. This task was accomplished by conducting a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, which was analyzed using selected tenets of Critical Race Theory (CRT). It is this author’s hope that this thesis can serve as a springboard for future researchers and public health practitioners to design new studies and culturally responsive interventions regarding Black youth suicidality, to reconceptualize the impact of structural factors on Black suicidality, and to expand on existing theories and develop new ones.  

Table of Contents

CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION

Introduction and Rationale

Purpose

Significance

Research Question

Important Definitions

CHAPTER II. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Introduction

Critical Race Theory

CHAPTER III. METHODS

Introduction

Study Design

Sampling

Data Collection Procedures

Data Analysis Methodology

Positionality

CHAPTER IV. RESULTS

Introduction

Key Findings

Other Findings

Summary of Findings

CHAPTER V. IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Introduction

Discussion

Strengths and Limitations

Implications

Conclusion

REFERENCES

APPENDIX

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Behavioral Sciences and Health Education
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	African American Studies Psychology, Behavioral
Keyword	Black suicide youth Critical Race Theory
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Don Operario, Emory University
Committee Members	April Lasha Carswell, Emory University Alexander Crosby, Morehouse School of Medicine

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