Why Racism Matters for Suicide Prevention: Insights from the RECEIPTS Model

What is it about?

This paper introduces the RECEIPTS model, a new way to understand why suicide risk may be higher for some racial and ethnic groups, especially Black Americans. It builds on a well-known theory about how people become suicidal, but adds an important piece that’s often missing: the impact of racism. The model explains how racism can make people feel isolated, like a burden, or hopeless about their future—all of which can increase suicide risk. By showing how culture, identity, and structural racism shape these feelings, this model helps researchers, clinicians, and communities better understand—and prevent—suicide in historically marginalized groups.

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Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Suicide rates are rising among Black Americans, especially youth, but most suicide theories don't take racism into account. That means we’re missing key parts of the picture. The RECEIPTS model helps fill this gap. It shows how racism—like being treated unfairly, feeling unwelcome, or lacking access to resources—can lead to the emotional pain that puts people at risk for suicide. This matters because if we don’t understand the real causes of suffering, we can’t design effective ways to help. RECEIPTS gives researchers, clinicians, and communities a better tool to understand and address suicide in ways that are culturally relevant and grounded in people’s lived experiences.