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. 2025 Aug 20;25(1):2858.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24131-y.

Fostering internal assets to mitigate suicidal behaviors among young black sexual minority males aged 14-24

Donte T Boyd  1 , Sally Kirklewski  2 , Juan L Benavides  3 , Camille R Quinn  4 , Ashima Saigal  4 , Samantha V Hill  5
Affiliations

Fostering internal assets to mitigate suicidal behaviors among young black sexual minority males aged 14-24

Donte T Boyd et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Objective: Suicidal behaviors among young Black sexual gender minority males ages 14-24 is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. This study aims to fill a significant gap in the literature by investigating how internal assets impact suicidal behaviors among young Black sexual minority men (SMM) ages 14-24.

Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional survey of young Black SMM (N = 538) from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, to examine the influence of internal assets (such as positive values, positive identity) on suicidal behaviors. A logistic regression was performed to examine the associations between internal assets and suicidal behaviors.

Results: Our findings indicated that positive identity was associated with lower levels of suicidal behaviors (β = - 0.29; p < 0.001). Positive values (β = - 0.24; p < 0.001) and social competencies (β = - 0.29; p < 0.001) were also associated with fewer suicidal behaviors.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that internal assets play a significant role in influencing suicidal behaviors among young Black sexual gender minority males. By promoting positive values, positive identity, and social competencies, we can help build resilience and reduce the risk of suicide among Black SMM.

Keywords: Adolescents; Black sexual minority males; Internal assets; Suicidal behaviors; Young Adults.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study was approved by The Ohio State University Institutional Review Board and was conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. All methods used in this study adhered to relevant guidelines and regulations. Informed consent and assent were obtained from participants prior to their involvement, ensuring that they fully understood the purpose, procedures, and potential risks associated with the study. This process included obtaining consent from the parents or legal guardians for participants under the age of 16. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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