Jasmin R. Brooks Stephens, Elijah R. Murphy, Ty A. Robinson, Elisha Arnold, Lauren Mims
OBJECTIVE: Suicide rates among Black youth have risen dramatically over the past 2 decades, yet research that centers the experiences of Black adolescents and emerging adults remains limited. Furthermore, suicide prevention science continues to be dominated by deficit-based models. In response, this systematic review synthesizes the empirical literature on strengths-based protective factors associated with reduced suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Black adolescents and emerging adults. METHOD: Guided by the integrative model for the study of stress in Black American families (Murry et al., 2018) and strengths-based models of resilience (e.g., Hamby, 2025; Masten, 2001; Ungar, 2013), we conducted a critical interpretive synthesis of peer-reviewed studies published between January 2015 and March 2025. Inclusion criteria included U.S.-based, original research on Black youth ages 10-29 that assessed both suicidality and strengths-based protective factors. A total of 53 studies met the criteria and were analyzed using a deductive qualitative approach aligned with the critical interpretive synthesis framework. RESULTS: Six domains of protection emerged: (a) intrapersonal psychological assets, (b) kinship support, (c) collective socialization, (d) Black cultural identity, (e) hope and future orientation, and (f) religious and spiritual coping. Protective effects were strongest when support systems were culturally rooted, developmentally attuned, and identity affirming. CONCLUSION: This review proposes the Black Youth Thriving Framework for Suicide Prevention. This strengths-oriented framework offers a corrective to deficit-based paradigms and lays the foundation for the development of culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate suicide prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of Black adolescents and emerging adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).