Racial discrimination, coping, and suicidal ideation in Chinese immigrants.

Abstract

Objectives: Although suicide is a major public health problem, little research has addressed factors linked to suicide risk in U.S. Asian ethnic subgroups, including the U.S. Chinese population. In this study, we investigate the relationship between racial discrimination and suicidal ideation among Chinese immigrants in the U.S., as well as the mediating and moderating role of coping. Method: This is a secondary analysis of online survey data from 501 Chinese immigrants in the U.S. Perceived racial discrimination and problemfocused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping were measured. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to determine whether the three types of coping served as mediators or moderators between racism and suicidal ideation. Results: Chinese immigrants who perceived racial discrimination were more likely to engage in suicidal ideation (OR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.05, 1.81]). Greater use of problem-focused coping was associated with decreased risk of suicidal ideation (OR = 0.38, 95% CI [0.26, 0.54]). The interaction of racial discrimination and problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping did not significantly predict suicidal ideation ( p > .05), but the mediating effects of emotion-focused and avoidant coping were significant. Conclusions: Greater attention should be paid to the detrimental effects of racial discrimination on suicidal ideation among Chinese immigrants. A focus on strengthening problem-focused coping and reducing emotionfocused and avoidant coping among Chinese immigrants should lead to effective suicide prevention strategies. Public Significance StatementThis study shows the heightened rate of suicidal ideation among Chinese immigrants and underscores the role of racial discrimination as a risk factor for suicidal ideation. The study also suggests that an effort to reframe one's coping strategies is a worthwhile endeavor in the attempt to reduce suicidal ideation. Further, it is crucial to create a social atmosphere of inclusion and diversity that does not tolerate potentially discriminatory policies and behaviors.