Expanding our paradigms: Intersectional and socioecological approaches to suicide prevention

Abstract

Despite increasing research on suicide, we continue to see rising rates, particularly among youth. In answering recent calls for critical suicidology and transdisciplinary approaches to research, I discuss expanding beyond the paradigmatic confines of suicidology by proposing two related approaches to improve our science: intersectionality theory and socioecological theory. Following a discussion of social identity and its relation to suicide risk, I review the literature on these topics and highlight importance of paying attention to the unique experiences of youth through the study of intersectionality and using socioecological models in our research moving forward.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.