Suicide among Hispanics in the United States

Abstract

Suicide ideation and behavior among U.S. Hispanics has increased notably in the last decade, especially among youth. Suicide risk increases across generations of Hispanics, with risk greatest amongst U.S.-born Hispanics. Acculturative stress has been linked to increased risk for suicide ideation, attempts, and fatalities among Hispanics. Acculturative stress may increase suicide risk via disintegration of cultural values (such as familism and religiosity) and social bonds. Culturally-tailored prevention efforts are needed that address suicide risk among Hispanics. We propose a conceptual model for suicide prevention focused on augmenting cultural engagement among at risk Hispanics.

The Role of Temperament in the Onset of Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors across Adolescence: Findings from a 10-year Longitudinal Study of Mexican-Origin Youth

“…For nativity, we found no evidence of a significant difference between suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts for youth born in Mexico versus those born in the United States. These results are not consistent with past research showing that youth born in Mexico were less likely to experience suicidal ideation and behaviors than youth born in the United States (Carino & Silva & Van Orden, 2018;Sorenson & Shen, 1996) and that Latinx youth born in the U.S. were two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than youth born outside of the U.S. (Peña et al, 2008). Thus, our results are not consistent with the "immigrant paradox," which posits that U.S.-born ethnic minority youth have more emotional and behavioral problems than 1 st generation ethnic minority youth who were born in another country and immigrated to the U.S. (García Coll & Marks, 2012;Marks, Ejesi, & García Coll, 2014).…”

One Size Does Not Fit All: Making Suicide Prevention and Interventions Equitable for Our Increasingly Diverse Communities

“…Below we highlight 2 important proposed models that can serve as a springboard for future culturally adapted suicide interventions. Silva and Van Orden 13 proposed a culturally adapted model for suicide prevention/intervention for Latinx youths that includes the following: (1) using multiple modalities and strategies to engage youths and families (ie, educational outreach); (2) raising awareness and mental health literacy; and (3) capitalizing on activities that promote social connection and cultural engagement and values. Molock et al 8 also proposed a similar model for culturally adapted suicide interventions for Black youths that includes the following: (1) gatekeeper training through church services; (2) psychoeducation about mental health and services; (3) facilitating problem identification and referral services; and (4) promoting protective processes (ie, family support) and reducing risk factors (ie, depression).…”

Psychological Reactivity to Daily Family Experiences During Adolescence: Individual Differences and Developmental Stability

“…Given established links between positive mood, resilience, and mental health (Catalino & Fredrickson, 2011;Ong, 2010), this pattern of high negative mood reactivity coupled with blunted positive mood reactivity among girls in our sample may help explain sex-related disparities in mental illnesses during adolescence (Nolen-Hoeksema & Girgus, 1994). Indeed, Latina adolescents are at higher risk of depression, clinical anxiety, and suicidality than their male counterparts (Silva & Van Orden, 2018;Kim et al, 2018;Langhinrichsen-Rohling, Friend, & Powell, 2009;Zayas et al, 2005). However, since this sex difference only emerged in the second wave of data, future research should probe this question further.…”