A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Hope in Suicide Prevention Amongst Black Women

Abstract

Humans are created in the image and likeness of God, possessing goodness and dignity. They are called to flourish, seeking fulfillment as they thrive and grow in the present moment. In order to flourish while on Earth, humans must strive for wholeness psychologically, morally, and spiritually. Suicide rates have drastically increased for Black individuals in America over the past few years, and in 2022 suicide was the third leading cause of death for emerging adults who identify as Black Americans. However, research regarding the state of Black Americans and suicide remains scarce. Mental health advocates, clinicians, and researchers must be proactive in addressing suicide within the Black community since it is a public health problem that is preventable. To address the increase of deaths by suicide within the Black American community, this study identified the impact of hope on attitudes toward suicide within Black American women ages 18-25. The understanding of attitudes towards suicide and the exploration of hope and its ability to assist in suicide prevention were addressed to help determine protective factors and interventions that can help decrease the rise of suicide within the Black community. This study used a mixed-methods approach to explore the relationship between hope and attitudes toward suicide as well as the relationship between success attainment motivation and failure avoidance motivation and attitudes toward suicide. Participants in the study included Black women living in America who are between the ages of 18-25 years old. The survey was constructed in Qualtrics and participants were provided through CloudResearch. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis was used to develop the findings for the research study. The analysis of the results suggest that there is a relationship between hope and attitudes towards suicide. In addition, there is a relationship between attitudes toward suicide and success attainment motivation and failure avoidance motivation.