Research Q&A with Jennifer Zohn: Suicide rates in Black adolescents and young adults

1. How would you describe the main idea or main takeaway from your most recent research or creative work to someone outside your field?

Since 2018, the suicide rate for Black adolescents and young adults (AYA) has risen considerably. Suicide risk factors may vary between races and ethnicities and has been under-studied in the Black population. In the goal of reducing Black AYA suicide, more research is needed towards improving hopefulness and socioeconomic conditions, providing access to mental health treatment, creating culturally informed interventions for interacting with the criminal justice system, and reducing violence/gun violence.

2. What is the key paper or author/performer who has most inspired your recent research/creative work?

Clinical psychologists Paul Quinnett, PhD, the Executive Chairman of the QPR Institute, and Thomas Joiner, PhD, creator of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior inspire my work.

3. How do you see this research/creative piece contributing to new insights in the field/sparking conversation?

Between 2007-2012, suicide rates for White and Black AYA have risen 63%. Despite the Black population facing ongoing elevated risk factors for suicide, they have not historically been a high-risk group for suicide and this area remains understudied. However, since 2018, the suicide rate in the Black population has risen considerably. Why is this, and what can be done about this concerning trend? It is important for researchers to identify the socio-cultural factors contributing to the elevated suicide rate and strategies to reduce suicide risk factors in this population.

4. What impact do you hope this work makes?

I hope this work helps readers to appreciate risk factors for suicide facing Black communities, and to identify/implement meaningful strategies and interventions to prevent suicide risk factors in this population.

5. What is on deck for you as you get started on your next project?

I am currently working on a continuing education project for nurses with a UCCS undergraduate independent study student, and a resilience and mindfulness project for nurses with an RN who has collaborated with me on other projects and is an alumnus of UCCS.

6. Where and when do you feel you are the most productive/creative/inspired?

I find it inspiring working with undergraduate and graduate students and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on research and scholarship projects.