Disclosure of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Black Adults: An Examination of Motivators and Barriers

This study examined motivators and barriers to disclosing suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) and associated factors among suicidal Black adults who had never disclosed their STBs. Participants endorsed a greater number of barriers than motivators; identified desire to vent as the most salient motivator, and belief in coping on their own as the strongest barrier. Those with a history of suicide planning and greater future intent to disclose reported greater disclose motivation. Men reported both greater motivation, and barriers to disclose compared to women. Perceived burdensomeness, social support, internalized STB stigma, and stigma of mental health treatment seeking were all positively associated with greater motivators to disclose. Perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, internalized STB stigma, stigma of mental health treatment seeking, and race-related stress wereall positively associated with greater barriers to disclosure. The findings from this novel study elucidate targets for culturally sensitive suicide prevention efforts among this at-risk group.