What is it about?
We believe that mainstream psychology focuses too much on using checklists and questionnaires for assessing suicide in youth of color (and youth in general). Instead, we recommend that psychologists and other mental health professionals work harder at showing empathy, compassion, and connecting with youth who may feel suicidal.
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Why is it important?
Suicide rates in the U.S. have been increasing for 20+ years. When young people are feeling suicidal, they need to connect with people and professionals with whom they trust. Focusing on building a trusting and positive relationship with youth should be the highest priority.
Perspectives
We make three important points in this article. First, we emphasize that suicide assessment with all youth--and especially youth of color--should focus on relationship connection and trust. Second, we noted that current checklists and questionnaires are not effective in determining suicide risk in any youth. Third, the concept of acculturation has racist origins.
John Sommers-Flanagan Sommers-Flanagan
University of Montana
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Empathy, compassion, and connection should be central in suicide assessment with youth of color: Commentary on Molock et al. (2023)., American Psychologist, October 2024, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/amp0001358.
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