Date of Award

2025

Type

Thesis

Major

Health Science

Degree Type

Master of Public Health

Department

Kinesiology and Health Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Patricia Anafi

Second Advisor

Dr. Natasha Hourel

Abstract

Adolescent mental health is a major public health issue in the U.S., with African American high school students facing a rapidly worsening crisis. While all youth show increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality, African American adolescents are at greater risk due to systemic racism, socioeconomic inequality, community violence, and limited access to culturally responsive care. Few national studies have examined mental health trends among this group. This study (1) examines 2011–2021 trends in persistent sadness/hopelessness, suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts among African American high school students; (2) explores gender differences; and (3) compares these patterns to national averages to assess disparities. This secondary analysis used six waves of the National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS) data (2011–2021). Weighted datasets were merged and analyzed using descriptive statistics, gender-stratified analyses, crosstabs, chi-square tests for trend, and visual trend analyses. Results showed large increases in all four indicators for African American students over 10 years (p < .001): persistent sadness rose by 30.5%, suicidal ideation by 67.8%, suicide planning by 76.9%, and suicide attempts by 72.0%. In 2021, African American students had the highest suicide attempt rate (14.1%) among racial groups. Girls reported higher sadness, ideation, and planning, while boys had equal or higher suicide attempts, reflecting the gender paradox. These increases were steeper than national averages, indicating growing disparities. These findings highlight a worsening mental health emergency among African American adolescents. Multi-level, culturally responsive interventions are urgently needed. Schools, policymakers, and communities must prioritize prevention, expand access to care, and address structural inequities to stem this crisis.

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