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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Published in:

01-03-2017 | Original Paper

Extended family and friendship support and suicidality among African Americans

Authors: Ann W. Nguyen, Robert Joseph Taylor, Linda M. Chatters, Harry Owen Taylor, Karen D. Lincoln, Uchechi A. Mitchell

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 3/2017

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the relationship between informal social support from extended family and friends and suicidality among African Americans.

Methods

Logistic regression analysis was based on a nationally representative sample of African Americans from the National Survey of American Life (N = 3263). Subjective closeness and frequency of contact with extended family and friends and negative family interaction were examined in relation to lifetime suicide ideation and attempts.

Results

Subjective closeness to family and frequency of contact with friends were negatively associated with suicide ideation and attempts. Subjective closeness to friends and negative family interaction were positively associated with suicide ideation and attempts. Significant interactions between social support and negative interaction showed that social support buffers against the harmful effects of negative interaction on suicidality.

Conclusions

Findings are discussed in relation to the functions of positive and negative social ties in suicidality.

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Title: Extended family and friendship support and suicidality among African Americans
Authors: Ann W. Nguyen
Robert Joseph Taylor
Linda M. Chatters
Harry Owen Taylor
Karen D. Lincoln
Uchechi A. Mitchell
Publication date: 01-03-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1309-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Extended family and friendship support and suicidality among African Americans

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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