RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 2
Research Plan Overview- Phenomenology of Suicide-Related Beliefs, Attitudes, and
Behavior among African American Females
Name: Delondria Hines
I. Introduction
A. Problem Statement
1. The problem is that there has been limited research conducted on the
increase in suicide rates in recent years among African American
women. The lack of research is a significant barrier to comprehending
and addressing mental health disparities in this population. Studying and
addressing the factors contributing to the increase in suicide rates among
African American women should receive more focus and resources.
a. Goodwill, J. R. (2023). Reasons for suicide in black young adults:
A latent class analysis. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health
Disparities, 1–16. Advance Online Publication.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-023-01530-8
b. Spates, K., & Slatton, B. C. (2021). Repertoire of resilience: Black
women’s social resistance to suicide. Social Problems, spab072.
https://doi.org/10.1093/socpro/spab072
c. Mekawi, Y., Lewis, C. B., Watson-Singleton, N. N., Jatta, I. F.,
Ander, llana, Lamis, D. A., Dunn, S. M., & Kaslow, N. J. (2020).
Racial identity profiles among suicidal black women: A replication
and extension study. Journal of Black Studies, 51(7), 685–704.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0021934720935601
2. Although it is well acknowledged that suicide rates among women have
historically been lower than among men, no research has specifically
examined the suicide rates of Black women in specific age categories
and possible factors that caused it (Price & Khubchandani, 2019).
a. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020).ETen leading
causes of death and injury - PDFs|Injury Center|CDC. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 3
https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/LeadingCauses.htmlrelated
literature source
b. Price, J. H., & Khubchandani, J. (2019). The changing
characteristics of African American adolescent suicides, 2001-
2017. Journal of Community Health, 44(4), 756–763.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-019-00678-x
B. Purpose
1. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe this
underserved population's unique challenges that has caused an increase
in suicidal behaviors in African American women between the ages of
18-30 (Mekawi et al., 2020). At this stage in the research, suicidal
behaviors among African American women will be generally defined as
intentional acts or thoughts of self-harm or ending one's life. The theory
guiding this study is the Social-Ecological Model (SEM), developed by
Urie Bronfenbrenner, as it provides a framework for understanding the
intricate relationship between societal factors, mental health disparities,
and the experiences of African American women concerning the rise in
suicide rates.
C. General research questions
1. What are the unique challenges faced by African American women
between the ages of 18-30 that contribute to the increase in suicidal
behaviors?
2. How do individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors
interact to influence the occurrence of suicidal behaviors among African
American women in this age group?
3. What are the specific barriers and gaps in existing mental health support
systems that hinder effective prevention and intervention efforts
targeting the increase in suicide rates among African American women?
D. Research Plan
1. Qualitative research will be utilized for this research plan.
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 4
2. Qualitative research methods are well-suited for analyzing the influence
of suicide-related beliefs, attitudes, and behavior among African
American women. The method comprehensively explores their lived
experiences, perspectives, and the complex sociocultural factors
contributing to their mental health and well-being (Creswell & Poth,
2018).
II. Review of Related Literature
A. Theoretical Framework
1. I follow the ontological assumption because it enables the researcher to
summarize the participants experiences (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
2. Social constructionism is the theory that has helped define this study.
According to this perspective, systemic, societal, and cultural factors
impact suicide as a social phenomenon (Mueller et al., 2021).
Researchers who hold this assumption may seek to investigate
sociocultural factors unique to African American women that influence
their suicidal ideation and behavior.
B. Important Thinkers/experts/theorists in this field of study
1. Lewis, T. T. & Van Dyke, M. E. (2018). Discrimination and the health
of African Americans: The potential importance of intersectionalities.
Current Directions in Psychological Sciences, 27(3), 176–182.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721418770442
a. This article argues for the necessity of investigating
intersectionalities in studies of discrimination and physical health
among African Americans and gives an overview of research in
this field.
b. The article captures a broader spectrum of complexities in studying
discrimination and health among African Americans, which may
be justifiable.
2. Ramchand, R., Gordon, J. A., & Pearson, J. L. (2021). Trends in Suicide
Rates by Race and Ethnicity in the United States. JAMA Network Open,
4(5), e2111563. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.11563
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 5
a. The research addressed mounting worries about rising suicide rates
among African American youths, which prompted a look into
subgroup patterns over the last two decades.
b. The study examined trends in suicide among subgroups, which is
essential for informing prevention efforts that reach everyone.
C. Related Research
1. Curtin, Sally C. and Hedegaard, Holly (2019). Suicide rates for females
and males by race and ethnicity: United States, 1999 and 2017
a. The article discusses the suicide rates of males and females
according to race and ethnicity.
b. The significance of the study lies in the fact that the number of
suicide deaths among racial and ethnic groups may be
underestimated.
2. Spates, K., & Slatton, B. C. (2018). I’ve got my family and my faith:
Black women and the suicide paradox. Socius: Sociological Research
for a Dynamic World, 3, 1-9 https://doi.org/10.1177/2378023117743908
a. The research investigates the elements that black women consider
protective against suicide by conducting in-depth, semi-structured
interviews with 33 black women born in the United States.
b. Few studies provide African American women's perspectives,
despite existing suicide literature's suggestion that African
American women's strong social networks and religious affiliations
shield them from suicide.
III. Methods
A. Design (approach) and Rationale
1. Phenomenological
2. Phenomenology concentrates on comprehending and describing
individuals' lived experiences, perceptions, and significance (Creswell &
Ploth, 2018). Phenomenology will allow an in-depth study of African
American females' unique perspectives and subjective experiences
concerning their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors regarding suicide.
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 6
B. Site
1. The North Carolina Research & Study Museum
2. Large facility in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializing in preserving
fragile or rare objects and access to study and research.
3. The facility contains thirty study rooms, five research libraries, and
twenty laboratories with specialized scientific analysis or preservation
equipment and tools. These facilities provide a peaceful academic
atmosphere conducive to concentrated study and research.
4. The NC Research & Study Museum is a dedicated space for conducting
research and study in various fields, primarily interdisciplinary research,
bringing together experts from multiple fields to investigate connections
and generate new knowledge or subject matter.
C. Participants
1. 12-15 African American female participants. Participants should identify
as African American or Black, ensuring their experiences and
perspectives correlate with the particular cultural context investigated in
this study.
2. Collaborate with professionals or experts (e.g., therapists, counselors,
medical professionals, or specialists who work closely with the
population of interest. They may be able to provide access to their
clients or patients who are willing to participate in the study.
3. African American female participants between the ages of 18 and 30
who have experienced suicidal ideations, suicide attempts, or have
personally experienced the effects of suicide (such as the loss of a loved
one to suicide) will take part.
D. Role of Researcher or Personal biography
1. Delondria Hines
2. Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
3. I own and operate a private practice in Durham, NC. My primary
responsibility is to offer therapeutic support and guidance to individuals
with mental health issues. I evaluate clients' needs, create treatment
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 7
plans, and implement evidence-based interventions to assist them in
navigating and coping with emotional, behavioral, and psychological
challenges. I provide a secure and compassionate environment for
clients to investigate their thoughts and emotions, facilitate their
development and self-discovery, and empower them to make positive
life changes.
4. As a female African American Licensed Clinical Mental Health
Counselor (LCMHC), I am interested in this research because it relates
directly to my professional and personal experiences. I need to
understand the unique socio-cultural, historical, and systemic factors
contributing to the disproportionate suicide rates among African
American women. By obtaining insights into their beliefs, attitudes, and
behaviors regarding suicide, I hope to inform and improve my
counseling practice, develop culturally sensitive interventions, and
advocate for targeted mental health support to address this crucial issue
in my community.
E. Data Collection
1. In-depth Interviews
a. Spates and Slatton (2018) state that in-depth interviews with
African American female participants can yield rich qualitative
data on their lived experiences, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors
concerning suicide. This method enables participants to share their
stories, perceptions, and emotions in their own words, yielding
valuable insights into the phenomenology of suicide in this
population.
b. I prefer in-person interviews; however, if participants are
unavailable for an in-person interview, I will utilize a HIPAA-
compliant teleconferencing platform.
2. Focus Groups
a. Organizing focus group discussions with African American
females can foster group dialogue and interaction, allowing
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 8
participants to compare their experiences, beliefs, and perspectives
on suicide. This method encourages participants to build on each
other's thoughts and ideas, potentially revealing group-wide
themes or moods (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
b. If it is impractical for participants to meet in person, I will conduct
teleconferencing focus groups. I am aware of the disadvantages of
conducting online interviews. Timid participants may struggle
articulating their thoughts and providing sufficient data (Creswell
& Poth, 2018).
3. Writing Prompts
a. Participants will keep journals or diaries in which they may record
their feelings, ideas, and accounts of suicide ideation throughout
their lifetime. This will help uncover more about the participants'
perspectives and choices. Unique insights into the lived experience
and phenomenology of suicide are gained via this approach since it
captures the participants inner thoughts, personal reflections, and
emotional journeys (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
F. Data Analysis
1. Open Coding
a. The researcher will examine the data gathered from interviews in
order to discover and classify themes, patterns, and ideas stated by
the participants.
b. The researcher will take notes (memoing) and analyze the
participants' responses to determine their distinct perspectives,
experiences, and narratives regarding suicide.
c. The researcher may uncover themes such as cultural and religious
beliefs, familial and community support, mental health stigma,
access to resources, coping strategies, and contributing factors to
suicidal ideation or behavior. The researcher would keep track of
these themes and do extra data analysis to investigate the
connections and hidden significance of the found codes.
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 9
2. Developing and Assessing Interpretation
a. The researcher will analyze the collected data to interpret the
meaning behind the patterns and themes that emerge, while also
establishing connections with existing research literature.
b. The researcher will seek input and feedback from colleagues
regarding the data, audit trails, and research procedures (Creswell
& Poth (2018).
G. Trustworthiness
1. Member Checking
a. By utilizing in-depth interviews, conducting post-interviews, and
seeking input from a peer to review the interviews, the researcher
can achieve triangulation of data (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
b. By requesting participants to review a draft of the researcher's
study, it allows for the gathering of alternative language, critical
analysis, and observations of the data (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
2. Auditability
a. The researcher will thoroughly document the process employed to
recruit participants, which might include mental health clinics or
support groups. This documentation will encompass any
limitations and biases encountered during the participant selection
process.
b. This is important because it increases the quality and credibility of
research by fostering transparency, replicability, accountability,
and ethical procedures.
3. Peer Review
a. Reviewers provide comments, suggestions, and constructive
criticism to enhance the quality, rigor, and clarity of the research
(Creswell & Poth, 2018).
b. Assists in identifying and correcting errors or flaws in the research,
ensures adherence to ethical guidelines, and assists in establishing
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 10
the validity and significance of the findings (Creswell & Poth,
2018)
c. Plays an important role in enhancing the overall quality of research
study and promotes the progress of knowledge by promoting
academic conversation and discussion among experts in the
subject.
H. Ethical Considerations
1. Before consenting, participants will be thoroughly informed of the
study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
Instead of using their actual identities, researchers will use fictitious
names or codes to maintain their anonymity. This will be communicated
to participants as part of the informed consent procedure to ensure their
comprehension and consent. Researchers will address this issue by
providing explicit and thorough information about the study in a written
consent form, allowing participants to ask questions, and ensuring that
assent is voluntary and revocable.
2. Cultural Sensitivity is essential for research involving minority
populations, such as African American women. To avoid cultural bias or
misinterpretation of the findings, researchers must understand and
respect participants' cultural norms, beliefs, and values (Chu et al.,
2017). Utilizing culturally sensitive research methodologies, involving
community stakeholders in the research process, and getting feedback
from the target population can all help to remedy this (Chu et al., 2017).
3. Researchers will ensure the collected data is depersonalized and does not
perpetuate stereotypes or stigmatize participants. It is vital to
disseminate the findings responsibly, with the appropriate context and
cultural awareness, to avoid potential injury or misinterpretation
(Creswell & Poth, 2018).
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 11
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020).ETen leading causes of death and injury –
PDFs|Injury Center|CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chu J. P., Poon G., Kwok K. K., Leino A. E., Goldblum P., Bongar B. (2017). An assessment of
training in and practice of culturally competent suicide assessment. Training and
Education in Professional Psychology, 11(2), 69–77. https://doi.org/10.1037/tep0000147
Creswell, J. W. & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among
five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications
Curtin, S.C. & Hedegaard, H. (2019). Suicide rates for females and males by race and ethnicity:
United States, 1999 and 2017. NCHS Health E-Stat. 2019.
Goodwill, J. R. (2023). Reasons for suicide in black young adults: A latent class analysis.
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 1–16. Advance Online Publication.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-023-01530-8
Lewis, T. T. & Van Dyke, M. E. (2018). Discrimination and the health of African Americans:
The potential importance of intersectionalities. Current Directions in Psychological
Sciences, 27(3), 176–182. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721418770442
Mueller, A. S., Abrutyn, S., Pescosolido, B., & Diefendorf, S. (2021). The social roots of suicide:
Theorizing how the external social world matters to suicide and suicide prevention.
Frontiers in Psychology, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621569
Price, J. H., & Khubchandani, J. (2019). The changing characteristics of African American
adolescent suicides, 2001-2017. Journal of Community Health, 44(4), 756–763.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-019-00678-x
Ramchand, R., Gordon, J. A., & Pearson, J. L. (2021). Trends in Suicide Rates by Race and
Ethnicity in the United States. JAMA Network Open, 4(5), e2111563.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.11563
Spates, K., & Slatton, B. C. (2018). I’ve got my family and my faith: Black women and the
suicide paradox. Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World, 3, 1-9.
https://doi.org/10.1177/2378023117743908
Spates, K., & Slatton, B. C. (2021). Repertoire of resilience: Black women’s social resistance to
suicide. Social Problems, spab072. https://doi.org/10.1093/socpro/spab072
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 12
Appendix A Timeline and Budget
August 2023:
Finish coursework ($5,000 for tuition and fees)
September 2023:
Form committee and register for dissertation course ($1,000 for registration and
administrative fees)
Spring 2024:
Prepare and defend research proposal ($1,500 for committee meeting expenses)
Summer 2024:
Submit research plan to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval ($500 for IRB
fees)
August 2024:
Begin data collection, including participant recruitment and interviews.
December 2024:
Complete data analysis and interpretation
February 2025:
Write and finalize the dissertation.
April 2025:
Defend the dissertation before the committee ($1,500 for defense-related expenses)
Budget considerations:
Research-related materials such as books, articles, and software ($2,000 for research
materials)
Participant incentives or compensation for their time and participation ($2,000 for
participant incentives)
Data collection tools like interview transcripts or survey questionnaires ($1,500 for data
collection tools)
Travel expenses for fieldwork or conference presentations ($3,000 for travel expenses)
Dissertation editing and proofreading services ($1,000 for editorial assistance)
Printing and binding the final dissertation copies ($500 for printing and binding)
Application fees for conferences or symposiums related to the research ($1,000 for
conference fees)
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 13
Total estimated budget for the research: $20,000
Appendix B Interview Questions/Guide
1. How comfortable do you feel talking about mental health and suicide in the African
American community? What factors contribute to this comfort or discomfort??
2. Could you briefly describe a personal experience or story that has influenced your beliefs
or attitudes about mental health and suicide in the African American community?
3. How do you view the role of cultural and societal factors in influencing the beliefs and
attitudes of African American females regarding suicide?
4. Can you share any personal coping mechanisms or strategies that you believe are useful
for addressing suicidal ideation or supporting at-risk individuals in the African American
community?
5. Do you believe any cultural or historical factors unique to the African American
experience influence suicidal beliefs and attitudes? If so, how?
6. Have you ever encountered stigma or misconceptions in the African American
community regarding mental health or suicide? What effect has this had on your beliefs
and attitudes?
7. Can you describe any obstacles or challenges African American women may face when
seeking help or counseling for mental health issues or suicidal thoughts?
8. Concerning mental health and suicide prevention, how do you view the role of spirituality
or faith in the African American community?
9. When thinking about African American women and their perspectives on suicide, how
much do you think family connections and relationships matter?
10. Can you share personal or collective experiences with effective community-based
initiatives or interventions to address mental health disparities and reduce suicide rates
among African American women?
Appendix C: Other Data Collection Procedures
Focus Groups: I intend to conduct two in-person focus groups as part of the data collection
process. The primary purpose of the first focus group is to collect comprehensive insights by
facilitating group interactions between participants and encouraging the open exploration of their
thoughts and perspectives. The second focus group will be convened to assess and validate the
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 14
researcher's initial findings, ensuring consistency with the conveyed sentiments and perspectives
of the participants.
Writing Prompts: Providing African American females with diaries or journals to document their
thoughts, experiences, and reflections regarding suicide allows a deeper understanding of their
beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. This method captures participants' inner thoughts, personal
reflections, and emotional journeys, thereby providing unique insights into their lived experience
and the phenomenology of suicide.
Appendix D: Consent Form
Research Study Title: Phenomenology of Suicide-Related Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behavior
among African American Females
Principal Investigator: Delondria Hines and Doctoral Student at Liberty University
Invitation to be Part of a Research Study
You are invited to participate in a research study. To participate, you must be:
Participants must fall within the age range of 18-30 years old.
Participants must identify as African American or Black.
Participants must identify as female.
What is the focus of this study and what is the motivation behind conducting it?
You are invited to participate in a research study exploring the phenomenology of suicide-related
beliefs, attitudes, and behavior among African American females. Before deciding to participate,
please read the following information carefully. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel
free to ask the research team for clarification.
What can participants expect if they choose to take part in this study?
Procedures: If you agree to participate, you will be requested to engage in a one-on-one
interview. To ensure precise data gathering, the conversation will be recorded in an audio format.
Depending on your preferred method of communication, the interview can be conducted face-to-
face, through video conferencing, or by phone. It is estimated that the interview will take
approximately 60 to 75 minutes and will delve into your individual encounters, convictions, and
viewpoints regarding suicide. It is important to note that participating is entirely up to you, and
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 15
you have the freedom to withdraw from the study at any point without facing any negative
consequences.
How could you or others benefit from this study?
Study Objective: The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the lived
experiences and perspectives of African American females regarding suicide-related beliefs,
attitudes, and behaviors. By exploring these phenomena, we aim to contribute to a better
understanding of mental health challenges and inform future interventions and support for this
population.
How will personal information be protected?
Confidentiality and Data Protection: To ensure your privacy and confidentiality, all gathered
data will be kept strictly confidential. Only the research team will have access to the recorded
interviews and information you provide. Your identity will be protected using pseudonyms and
by ensuring all identifiable information is removed or anonymized in any reports or publications
resulting from the study. By signing this consent form, you give permission to the research team
to use and store your data for analysis and reporting purposes.
Is participation in the study voluntary, and what steps should you take if you choose to
withdraw from the study?
Voluntary Participation and Right to Withdraw: Your participation in this study is entirely
voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without
consequence or penalty. Your decision to participate or withdraw will not affect your
relationship with the research team, your access to services, or any other professional
relationship.
What risks might you experience from being in this study?
Potential Risks and Benefits: Participating in this study may not directly benefit you; however,
your insights and experiences will contribute to valuable knowledge and awareness of suicide-
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 16
related beliefs, attitudes, and behavior among African American females. It is possible that
discussing sensitive topics such as suicide may induce emotional discomfort. We have services
available should you need support during or after the interview. Additionally, if any new
information arises during the study that may affect your well-being, appropriate referrals will be
made to provide necessary help.
Whom do you contact if you have questions or concerns about the study?
The researcher leading this study is Delondria Hines, and you are welcome to ask any questions
you may have at this time. If you have further inquiries at a later stage, you are encouraged to
reach out to Delondria Hines at 555-555-5555 or [email protected]. Additionally, you
may contact the researcher's faculty sponsor, Dr. Fred Milacci, at [email protected].
Whom do you contact if you have questions about your rights as a research participant?
If you have any questions or concerns about this study and would like to communicate with
someone other than the researcher, please feel free to contact the Institutional Review Board at
the following address: 1971 University Blvd., Green Hall Ste. 2845, Lynchburg, VA 24515.
Alternatively, you can reach out to them via email at [email protected]. They will be available to
address any inquiries you may have regarding the study.
RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW 17
Disclaimer: The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is tasked with ensuring that human subjects
research will be conducted in an ethical manner as defined and required by federal regulations.
The topics covered and viewpoints expressed or alluded to by student and faculty researchers
are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of
Liberty University.
Your Consent
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the information provided
in this consent form. You voluntarily give your informed consent to participate in the research
study and agree to abide by its procedures.
I have read and understood the above information. I have asked questions and have received
answers. I consent to participate in the study.
The researcher has my permission to audio record and/or video record me as part of my
participation in this study.
Participant's Signature: ______________________________________ Date: _______________
Printed Subject Name: _______________________________________
Researcher's Signature: ______________________________________
