(PS14-52) The Relationship Between Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination and Suicidal Ideation: The Moderating Role of Distress Tolerance

Introduction: Prior literature has indicated that racial minorities are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors when they have a reported history of discrimination (Oh et al., 2019). However, few studies have examined if symptoms of trauma subsequent to discrimination may be associated specifically with suicidal ideation in Black Americans. Further, no known study has examined whether distress tolerance or its individual dimensions – appraisal (one’s level of acceptance of distress) absorption (the likelihood that one will be consumed by their distressing situation), or regulation (one’s ability to withstand negative emotions) – could be a possible buffer in this association. Although symptoms of PTSD and low distress tolerance have been previously identified as factors in the manifestation of suicidal ideation (Kratovic et al., 2021), few studies have examined the specific dimensions of distress tolerance to advance models of suicide ideation. 

Aim:  The current study investigated the moderating role of distress tolerance and its lower-order facets (appraisal, absorption, or regulation) in the association between trauma symptoms of discrimination and suicidal ideation for Black Americans. 

Method:  The participants for the current study were 182 Black adults who were recruited as part of a larger project that examined racial trauma and resilience. Participants completed a web-based battery of questionnaires that included measures of suicidal ideation, symptoms of trauma after discrimination, distress tolerance, and other mental health concerns. Hypotheses: The hypotheses were that 1) trauma symptoms of discrimination will be significantly associated with suicidal ideation, and the association is significant for individuals who report 2a) low (but not high) overall levels of distress tolerance, 2b) low (but not high) levels of distress tolerance – regulation, 2c) low (but not high) levels of distress tolerance – appraisal, and 2d) low (but not high) levels of distress tolerance – absorption. Results: Study hypotheses were partially supported. Trauma symptoms of discrimination were significantly associated with suicidal ideation (b = .32, p < .001). Hypothesis 2b was also supported. The moderation analysis revealed that trauma symptoms of discrimination were associated with suicidal ideation at lower (p = .0001) but not higher (p = .3543) levels of regulation. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence of the potential role of emotion regulation in the context of developing suicidal ideation after experiencing symptoms of trauma stemming from discrimination. In particular, the work sheds light on how emotion regulation can be a source of vulnerability (when low) or resilience (when high) for Black Americans. Further, these results indicate that one’s ability to confront negative emotions related to their distress, rather than avoiding them, may allow one to reduce thoughts or behaviors related to suicide. Therapists should consider implementing emotional regulation skills to assist one in coping with negative emotions when working with Black Americans who report suicidal ideation and a history of discrimination.