The rapid rise in suicide among young blacks in America during the past decade is of increasing concern to mental health practitioners and suicidologists. While there are some similarities among suicide attempts by blacks and whites, the pattern is that black suicide attempters are distinctly more youthful. This exploratory study tests the hypothesis that the precipitating event for young blacks who consider, plan, and attempt suicide is more likely to be "the loss or threatened loss of a love partner in the context of a negative value-orientation and intra-group pressures" than among Anglo suicide attempters. Specific strategies are recommended that use a family perspective for assisting blacks who consider, plan and attempt suicide. (Author)