Suicidality, Psychological Inflexibility, and Emotional Resilience Among Black College Students

Research examining risk and protective factors of suicidality among Black students remains limited. This study assessed the effects of psychological inflexibility and emotional resilience on suicidal behaviors among Black college students. We conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2022–2024 Healthy Minds Study. Black students (aged 18–24) who completed the suicidality matrix, psychological inflexibility (Acceptance & Action Questionnaire II) and emotional resilience (Brief Resilience Scale) measures were included in the analysis. Logistic regressions were performed to examine the effect of psychological inflexibility and resilience on suicidal ideation, plans for suicide, and suicide attempts. The students (N = 4557) represented diverse backgrounds, with 61% being African American, 12.2% African, 13.8% Caribbean, and 7% Afro-Latinx. Further, 18.7% endorsed suicidal ideation, 9.2% endorsed suicide plans, and 3.2% reported a suicidal attempt within the past 12 months. Psychological inflexibility was associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation (OR = 1.04, p < 0.001), suicidal plan (OR = 1.05, p < 0.001) and suicide attempt (OR = 1.03, p = 0.011). Emotional resilience was not associated with any suicidal behaviors as a protective or risk factor. The findings support previous research identifying psychological inflexibility as a suicidal risk factor. Prevention and intervention strategies may warrant a focus on promoting psychological flexibility.