Repertoire of Resilience: Black Women's Social Resistance to Suicide.

This article examines the social resilience of African American women to suicide, exploring why they have lower suicide rates despite facing systemic gendered racism, poverty, and discrimination. Based on 33 qualitative interviews, the study identifies a cultural repertoire of resilience composed of three interrelated scripts: shared experiences of struggle, centuries of strength building, and a counter-evaluation of privilege. These scripts foster Black women's self-efficacy, dignity, and pride, enabling them to resist suicidal behavior by reframing marginalization as a source of empowerment. The research highlights the importance of social resilience—rooted in collective cultural resources—over individual traits and calls for strengths-based approaches in suicide prevention and mental health interventions tailored to Black women's lived experiences.