Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Department

Psychological Sciences

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury and suicide ideation are important issues and known predictors of suicide attempts for any demographic, but specifically for minority groups who are significantly understudied and underreported in comparison to their White and Heterosexual counterparts. It has been found that among adolescents and college students, minority students are disproportionately impacted and are at greater risk for suicidal ideation and behavior. The goal of the present study was to examine the role of both ethnic and sexual minority experience in NSSI and suicide attempts, as well as potential protective factors. A sample of 2,280 undergraduate students completed a survey assessing lifetime suicide attempt and lifetime non-suicidal self-injury, along with perceived levels of resilience, life satisfaction, and subjective happiness. Results confirmed the hypotheses that ethnic and sexual minority individuals largely report higher likelihoods of suicidal and self-harm behaviors, as well as lower scores on protective factors. This disproportionate impact on minority individuals, as well as the specific role of resilience, are important distinctions to make in future research, treatment, and prevention.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Dr. Amy Brausch, Dr. Matt Woodward, Siera Bramscheiber

Disciplines

Mental and Social Health | Psychology

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