Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Peter Anderson

Abstract

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescent, teens, and young adults. Suicidal ideation is a predictor of suicide attempts. Guided by the integrated motivational-volitional model and social cognitive theory, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey data were used to investigate whether traditional bullying, cyberbullying, and participation in physically violent behavior (independent variables) were associated with suicidal ideation and behavior (dependent variables) among African American high school aged youth controlling for age, gender, physical, and sexual abuse. It was found that experiencing traditional bullying increased suicidal ideation significantly, as there is an 82% increase in likelihood. There was also an increase in the likelihood of suicidal ideation resulting from cyberbullying (87%). There was a 39% increase in the likelihood of suicidal ideation when engaging in physically violent behavior. There was a nearly 85% increase in suicidal behavior for those who experienced traditional bullying. There was also a nearly 82% increase in suicidal behavior for those who participated in physically violent behavior. However, a decrease of 16% likelihood of suicidal behavior resulting from cyberbullying was found. Determining how these disparities may impact the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behaviors among the youth population could inform efforts for prevention and contribute to the development of new intervention strategies and programs that could reduce the likelihood of suicidal ideation and behavior among the youth and improve their lives and the lives of their families and communities.

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