Considering Race and Ethnicity Using Positive Psychological Approaches to Suicide

Abstract

In this chapter, we discuss the potential blending of the fields of positive psychology and suicidology and note that this intersection is well suited for inclusion of an understanding of culturally relevant risk and protective factors, as well as inclusion of non-majority samples and culturally appropriate assessment methodologies. We discuss the historically exclusionary stance of the fields of psychology and suicidology and note that positive psychology may be unique, with its strengths-based and resiliency-focused approach, in its ability to provide some cultural unity to prevention and intervention efforts. Further, we review the applicability of mainstream positive psychological perspectives to suicide prevention efforts with ethnic minority persons, including in the context of discrimination, but also explore evidence for culturally specific protective factors (e.g., religiousness, collectivism) that appear beneficial but require additional empirical support. For clinicians, promoting well-being and preventing suicide from a culturally supportive perspective is critical for therapeutic success and, thus, we note clinical implications of our proposed framework. Additionally, we provide suggestions for educators, researchers, and policymakers on how to promote the synthesis of diversity with a positive approach to suicide prevention, to help save the lives of individuals from minority groups.