Understanding Suicide Risk in Young Black People
Official title: Social-Ecological and Individual Determinants of the Course of Suicidal Ideation & Attempt among African Americans from Early Adolescence toYoung Adulthood
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11141675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at why suicide thoughts and attempts happen in young Black people, from their teenage years into young adulthood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 19, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $400,030 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134009-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research focuses on understanding the experiences of young Black people, specifically those from low-income, urban backgrounds, who have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not young Black individuals or those not experiencing suicidal ideation or attempts may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We know that suicide among young Black people has been increasing, but there isn't enough research focused on this specific group. This project uses information collected over 20 years from young Black people in Baltimore City, following them from their teenage years into young adulthood. We want to understand the different factors in their lives, like mental health, life experiences, and community support, that might influence thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts. By looking at these factors, we hope to find better ways to help prevent suicide in this community.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better prevention programs and support for young Black people at risk of suicide.
How similar studies have gone: While general suicide research exists, this project uses a unique long-term approach focused specifically on young Black individuals, which is a less studied area.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rabinowitz, Jill Alexandra — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Rabinowitz, Jill Alexandra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding factors linked to Black youth suicide and thoughts of harm
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-
Depression and suicidal thoughts in bisexual teens and young adults
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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.