Examining developmental assets of young Black sexual gender minority males in preventing suicidal behaviors.

Black gay and bisexual male adolescents and young adults (BGBMA/YA) are at higher risk for suicidal outcomes given their minoritized and stigmatized identities at the intersection of race and sexual orientation. This study explores key developmental assets, including family support and family communication, and their role in preventing depression symptoms and suicidal outcomes among BGBMA/YA. A cross-sectional survey was administered to participants (N = 400, Mage = 23.46, SD = 2.59) recruited through Amazon M-Turk, community-based organizations, and social media sites. A path analysis was conducted to examine associations among external assets (family support, communication about sex and drugs with parents, open family communication), depression symptoms, and suicidal attempts and plan to die by suicide. About 28 % of respondents reported a suicide attempt in the past 12 months. Depression symptoms and communication about sex and drugs with parents were positively associated with plan to die by suicide. Family support was negatively associated with depression symptoms. Depression symptoms were positively associated with suicide attempts. Family support was indirectly and negatively associated with suicide attempts. Suggestions for future research and policy implications are discussed.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Trainings as Part of an American Indian/Alaska Native Youth Suicide Prevention Program.

According to the Centers for Disease Control suicide rates in 2022 for American Indian/Alaska Native youth are 2.5 times higher than the national average. An Urban Indian Health Organization's response to this crisis was to provide community and State-wide Gatekeeper trainings between 2012 and 2019 to teach trainees (N = 810) to respond appropriately to youth at-risk of suicide. We report data on pre-, post-, and six-month follow-up surveys with trainees. Data were analyzed using generalized linear models repeated measures to test within-subject, and between-subject mean score changes on suicide prevention-related measures "knowledge," "ask directly," "respond," "comfort," and "preparedness." Results indicated improved capacity to be prepared to address suicide in the short term and that having a graduate degree enhanced baseline suicide prevention knowledge. Over time those with less education benefited the most and better retained content. Future Trainings should engage young people and those with less education to realize the largest benefit.

Do We Belong? Examining the Associations Between Adolescents' Perceptions of School Belonging, Teacher Discrimination, Peer Prejudice and Suicide.

In the USA, suicide is a leading cause of death for adolescents ages 12 to 18 (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2019). Given the urgency of this public health crisis, this paper aims to explore the impact of a sense of school belonging and teacher-based discrimination and peer-based prejudice on suicidal ideation and attempts among Black youth. This secondary analysis used a sample of Black youth (N = 4229; Mage = 16) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescents to Adult Health data. Independent variables included a sense of school belonging, school-based teacher discrimination, and school-based peer prejudice; the dependent variable was suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The results of multinomial regression analyses revealed that as Black adolescents' sense of school belonging decreased, they were 35% more likely to be at risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. Findings from our study support the assertion that the school microsystem plays a substantial role in modifying the risk of suicidal behavior among Black youth.

American Indian elders share personal stories of alcohol use with younger tribal members.

In this Great Lakes Indian reservation qualitative study we utilized focus groups in the form of talking circles to elicit tribal members' views of alcohol use. We report on how the elder participants utilized the talking circles to inform the youth of the deleterious effects of alcohol use and abuse. Indigenous research methods were utilized so elder tribal members were consulted about the study; an elder was hired as a research associate; youth were hired as note takers/observers; and the 2-hour groups were led by a tribal community member. Demographic data were gathered, and a semistructured guide with substance use questions was utilized. Tribal members, 30 females and 19 males, age 12 to 78 participated in 8 talking circles (N = 49). Tribal elders unexpectedly utilized the format as an opportunity for cross-generational storytelling to convey their own oral histories of the harmful effects of alcohol use for the younger participants. They shared personal pathways to quitting or to a reduction in drinking with messages aimed at preventing the youth from initiating drinking. A shortage of American Indian (AI) substance abuse treatment programs that are culturally relevant exists. The widespread and renewed use of cross-generational talking circles could serve as an inexpensive substance abuse prevention and intervention treatment modality for AI youth. The elders' stories highlight the need to rejuvenate traditional methods of healing among AIs to reduce the initiation and/or harmful effects of overuse of alcohol among AI youth.