Exploring how school discipline affects suicidal thoughts in Black youth
Linking Racial Disparities in School Discipline to Black Youth Suicidality
This study is looking at how unfair school discipline affects the mental health of Black children aged 8-10, especially in relation to their feelings about suicide, and it hopes to find ways to help these kids feel better and safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10691439 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between racial disparities in school discipline and the higher rates of suicidality among Black children aged 8-10. It aims to understand how experiences of racialized discipline, such as suspensions or referrals, impact these children's mental health. The study will involve two waves of data collection from 200 Black children, their caregivers, and teachers to assess the effects of discipline practices and the role of emotional regulation and neurocognitive functioning. By identifying these factors, the research seeks to highlight protective strategies, such as racial socialization, that may mitigate risks of suicidality.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black children aged 8-10 who have experienced school discipline practices.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Black or outside the age range of 8-10 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions to reduce suicidality among Black youth.
How similar studies have performed: While research has shown the negative impacts of discrimination on mental health, this specific investigation into racialized discipline and its direct link to suicidality in Black children is novel.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dunbar, Angel S. — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Dunbar, Angel S.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.