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This review critically evaluates the existing literature on youth punishment system (YPS)-involved Black girls and their intersections of with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It synthesizes findings from previous studies, identifying key research trends, gaps, and controversies, while also highlighting areas in need of further investigation. Black girls, particularly those involved in systems such as juvenile justice, child welfare, and education, often face disproportionate exposure to violence, abuse and neglect, trauma, and systemic racism. For Black girls with histories of trauma and PTSD, these intersecting challenges are compounded by the added vulnerabilities of race, gender, and YPS involvement. This article argues that addressing the complex needs of this population requires recognition that Black girls’ harm is criminalized and, therefore, inextricably linked to their YPS-involvement, so a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach that includes trauma-informed care, healing-centered engagement, and holistic support systems are needed. Equitable access to tailored mental health services, educational resources, and culturally relevant interventions is essential to mitigate the long-term effects of trauma, promote resilience, and foster healing. Additionally, advocacy efforts to dismantle systemic harm and address racial and gender disparities are critical for creating inclusive environments that empower and support Black girls in these systems. By centering their lived experiences, this review emphasizes the importance of fostering environments of healing, justice, and equity for this vulnerable population.

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.

Suicide rates among Black young adults have significantly increased over the past two decades, presenting a critical public health issue. Although research indicates the association of positive mental health attitudes with better outcomes, limited attention has been paid to the structural and cultural factors that influence suicidal behaviors and help-seeking attitudes in this demographic. Guided by intersectionality and trauma-informed frameworks, this study examines how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), age, and suicidal behaviors interact to influence mental health help-seeking attitudes among Black young adults. We recognize that these outcomes are shaped by interlocking systems of oppression, including racism, ageism, and historical mistrust of mental health institutions. The sample consisted of 359 Black young adults aged 18 to 24 ( M  = 21; SD  = 1.90), recruited through Qualtrics panels (a pre-recruited group of individuals who have agreed to participate in surveys) in the Midwestern United States from February 1, 2023, to April 1, 2023. Using path analysis, our study results indicated that ACE scores had a significant and positive direct relationship with suicidal ideation (β = 0.29, p  < .001) and suicide planning (β = 0.30, p  < .001). Additionally, there was a significant indirect association with suicide attempts (β = 0.04, p  < .001). Further, suicide attempts negatively impacted attitudes toward seeking mental health help (β = -0.14, p  < .01). Suicidal ideation and planning also had significant negative indirect associations with these attitudes (β = -0.05, p  = .01; β = -0.08, p  = .01). These findings underscore the urgent need for culturally grounded and structurally responsive suicide prevention and intervention strategies that reflect the lived experiences of Black young adults. By addressing the unique interplay of trauma, identity, and systemic inequity, we can enhance mental health support and overall well-being for this population.

Background Developing an understanding of the negative impact of discrimination is critical when examining the suicidality of Black young adults in the US. Suicide rates among Black young adults have increased at alarming rates. One of the reasons for this increase is the disparities related to access to mental health services, which has long-term health consequences. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by examining associations between experiences of everyday discrimination, attitudes towards mental health help-seeking attitudes, on the outcomes suicide ideation, planning to die by suicide, and suicide attempts. Methods The data came from a national study of the experiences of Black young adults regarding mental, physical, and sexual health. Participants were recruited from across the Midwestern region of the United States through Qualtrics Panels, an online survey delivery service used to recruit study participants. The total sample for this study was N  = 362, and the average age of the sample was 21 (SD: 1.96). We used a logistic regression analysis to examine the role of everyday discrimination, mental health support-seeking attitudes, and covariates on the outcomes: suicide ideation, planning to die by committing suicide, and suicide attempts. Results Black young adults with positive mental health help-seeking attitudes were 34% less likely to attempt suicide ( OR  = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.96) and 35% less likely to experience suicide ideation ( OR  = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.89). However, those young adults who experienced discrimination daily were more likely to report having attempted suicide ( OR  = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.15). Conclusions Our findings offer valuable insights into the complex interplay between experiences of discrimination, attitudes toward seeking mental health support, and suicidal behaviors. However, our research also underscores how experiences of discrimination can significantly exacerbate feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and inadequacy, further contributing to suicidal behaviors in this population. By promoting positive mental health help-seeking behaviors, actively addressing discrimination, and applying an intersectional approach to suicide prevention efforts, we can take significant strides towards building a more supportive and inclusive society. This approach aims to empower individuals to seek help, reduce the risk of suicidal behaviors, and create a more welcoming environment for all members of our community.

In the USA, suicide is a leading cause of death for adolescents ages 12 to 18 (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2019). Given the urgency of this public health crisis, this paper aims to explore the impact of a sense of school belonging and teacher-based discrimination and peer-based prejudice on suicidal ideation and attempts among Black youth. This secondary analysis used a sample of Black youth ( N  = 4229; M age  = 16) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescents to Adult Health data. Independent variables included a sense of school belonging, school-based teacher discrimination, and school-based peer prejudice; the dependent variable was suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The results of multinomial regression analyses revealed that as Black adolescents’ sense of school belonging decreased, they were 35% more likely to be at risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. Findings from our study support the assertion that the school microsystem plays a substantial role in modifying the risk of suicidal behavior among Black youth.

Family-based approaches are critical for improving health outcomes in sexual minority men (SMM) of color. Yet, it is unclear how family context, internalized homophobia, and stress influence mental health outcomes among sexual minority men of color. From a cross-sectional sample of 448 participants, aged 16–24 years, survey data were analyzed to examine rates of family social support, the perception of sexuality by family, the stressfulness of life events, internalized homophobia, and other contextual variables on depression using linear regression. Our results indicated that an 86% increase in family social support was related to a −0.14 decrease in depression (ß = −0.14, p = 0.004). In addition, SMM who were separated by family and friends because of their sexuality were statistically significant and positively associated with depression (ß = 0.09, p < 0.001). Findings from our study suggest that the influence from the microsystem is salient in modifying mental health outcomes for SMM of color.

In the United States, racial/ethnic and sexual youth and young adults (YYA) of color are disproportionately affected by HIV. Subsequently, YYA experience HIV stigma and engage in increased risk behaviors and reduced HIV testing. HIV communication has been identified as a potential buffer to HIV stigma, resulting in health-seeking behaviors, such as HIV testing. In this study, we respond to a meaningful gap in the literature by examining different types of HIV communication and their impact on HIV stigma and HIV testing in a diverse sample of YYA. We analyzed secondary data from the Kaiser Family Foundation National Survey of Teens and Young Adults on HIV/AIDS. A 40-question, web-based survey was conducted with 1437 youth (ages 15–24). Recruitment included a dual sampling method from households with: (1) listed phone numbers, (2) unlisted phone numbers, (3) telephones, (4) no telephone, and (5) only cell phone access. The purpose of the survey was to establish participants’ HIV knowledge, communication, experiences, and testing behaviors. Findings suggested an association between intimate-partner HIV communication, increased HIV testing, and reduced HIV stigma. We also identified differentials in HIV testing and stigma based on gender, income, age, and sexual minority status, explained by HIV communication. Further research is needed that examines ways to use intimate-partner HIV communication to reduce stigma and increase HIV testing among YYA of different sociodemographic characteristics and sexual orientations.

Focusing on parental communication is a promising way to extend the reach of HIV-related interventions and prevention programs to underserved adolescents and their families in the US. One highly relevant population in need of services is Black males who constitute more than one-third of all new HIV infection cases in the US. We sought to determine whether the family context (i.e., parent support, parent relationships) impacted HIV testing over time. For this study, we used the first and third waves of the Add Health restricted dataset from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health of Black males (average age 16.1 years). Descriptive statistics found that over 75% of the sample had never been tested for HIV/AIDS, while only 58% reported using a condom. Bivariate regression analysis followed by multinomial analysis was conducted to identify the factors that were associated with the likelihood of one-time or continued HIV/AIDS testing. Major study findings indicate that Black males, who reported positive parent support and/or had visited the doctor, were more likely to get tested for HIV/AIDS. Males who had parents or peers that possessed negative attitudes about sex were less likely to get tested for HIV. The findings of this study suggest several implications for prevention and intervention aimed at optimal ways to increase HIV testing among Black males warranting further investigation.

Black youth and their families living in urban settings may experience unique stressors that contribute to underlying issues due to the environmental context. Such factors may exacerbate and promote drug use and engagement in risky sexual behaviors, unknowingly. Little is known about how family factors, peer pressure, condom use, and other related factors are associated with substance use and engaging in sexual behaviors while on drugs among urban African American youth aged 12–22 (N = 638). We used regression models to examine associations between parental bonding, parent–adolescent sexual health communication, condom use, peer pressure on substance use, and having sex while on drugs. Multivariate results indicated that parental bonding was statistically significant and associated with drug use (OR: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.36). Our study highlights that parental bonding plays a critical role in youth using drugs while living in urban environments.

Limited studies have examined the associations between child sexual abuse (CSA) and depression among Black sexual minority men (SMM) in the Southeastern United States (US). As, such, the current study examined the critical gap in understanding the impact of CSA on Black SMM’s mental health. Specifically, we tested the associations between contextual CSA factors and depression among a large population-based sample of Black SMM living in two cities in the Southern US. Data were obtained from the MARI Study, a sample of Black SMM ages 18–66 years, recruited from the Jackson, MS and Atlanta, GA metropolitan areas (n = 507). Depression was assessed using the 9-item CES-D scale. We conducted multivariable regression analyses to examine the association between depression with history of CSA and other child sexual-related variables (i.e., age of perpetrator and age of sexual abuse), controlling for key confounders. Our results indicated that CSA (β = 0.14, p < 0.001) was positively associated with depression. Our results also indicated that Black SMM who reported being sexually abused at the ages of 6 to 10 (β = 0.30, p < 0.01) and 16 to 18 (β = 0.25, p < 0.05) were positively associated with depression. These findings suggest that there is a need to provide culturally and safe mental health services in the Southeastern US for CSA survivors.