Internalized Racism Is Associated With Active Suicidal Desire Through Self-Dehumanization and Perceived Burdensomeness.

Abstract

Introduction: Internalized racism has previously been associated with suicidal risk, but existing work has yet to identify mechanisms underlying this relationship. Conceptual overlap between the group devaluation component of internalized racism and self-dehumanization, the belief that one is less than human, offers an explanation for how identity (e.g., of race/ethnicity and species) may increase risk for suicide. This study examined the associations between internalized racism, self-dehumanization, interpersonal needs, and suicidal desire in a sample of racial/ethnic minorities.

Methods: Analyses assessed whether internalized racism-based group devaluation significantly correlated with interpersonal needs beyond self-dehumanization. Suicide risk was then modeled as a latent variable (i.e., interpersonal needs and suicidal desire) observing the relationship of internalized racism on suicide risk through interpersonal needs and self-dehumanization.

Results: Results demonstrated that internalized racism was associated with perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness, through self-dehumanization. These findings extended to suicide risk, with internalized racism being associated with active suicidal desire through perceived burdensomeness and self-dehumanization.

Conclusion: Findings demonstrate how devaluing one's racial/ethnic group leads to further self-devaluations, elevating risk for suicidal desire. Future studies should seek to replicate these findings longitudinally and experimentally with broader populations to assess how other forms of self-hatred may increase suicide risk.