Identifying cultural factors influencing suicide risk in Black youth
Official title: Cultural Consensus Modeling to Identify Culturally Relevant Risk Factors for Suicide among Black Youth
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-10681432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to understand how cultural factors and experiences, like facing racial discrimination, affect suicidal thoughts and feelings in Black youth aged 11-17, by talking directly with them about their experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $204,488 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH128570-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10681432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are Black youth aged 11-17 who have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 11-17 or those who do not identify as Black may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique cultural factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Black youth aged 11-17. Using a method called Cultural Consensus Modeling, the study aims to gather insights directly from Black youth about their experiences and perceptions related to suicide. By integrating these cultural models with existing theories of suicide, the research seeks to better understand how issues like racial discrimination may influence mental health in this population. The study will involve interviews and discussions with at-risk youth to develop a comprehensive understanding of their mental health challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective suicide prevention strategies tailored specifically for Black youth.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on suicide prevention, this specific approach focusing on cultural factors in Black youth is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharp, Carla — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Sharp, Carla
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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.