Suicidality and acculturation in hispanic adolescents Book Chapter

Pumariega, AJ, Rothe, EM, Swanson, J et al. (2011). Suicidality and acculturation in hispanic adolescents . 57-70.

cited authors

  • Pumariega, AJ; Rothe, EM; Swanson, J; Holzer, CE; Linskey, AO; Quintero-Salinas, R

authors

abstract

  • Recent literature has suggested a significant acceleration in the rate of suicide amongst Latino youth, now approaching the higher rates traditionally seen amongst white youth. Acculturation into mainstream culture has been suggested as a significant factor in this increase. This study reports on the association of suicidality and cultural status in two closely related Hispanic populations of youth, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans on either side of the lower Rio Grande Valley. We surveyed a total of 4,157 students, 11 to 19 years of age. In Mexico, we surveyed 2,382 students in "secundaria" (8th/ 9th grade equivalent) and "preparatoria" (high school) students. In the U.S., 1,777 students in grades 7 to 12 were surveyed. A self-administered questionnaire was developed which included demographic and socioeconomic variables, suicidality (one week and lifetime suicidal ideation and lifetime attempts), substance abuse, depressive symptoms, and time utilization by the student on various activities. Suicidal ideation in the past week (Chi square = 29.5, p < .001) and suicidal ideation ever (Chi Square = 202.4, p < .001) were both significantly correlated to a combination of parental origin and place of residence (U.S. vs. Mexico). Some of the culturally-mediated activity variables, generational status, and clinical variables were correlated to past week and lifetime suicidal ideation, though clinical variables predominated in their correlation to lifetime attempts. Results suggest that acculturation may increase the risk of suicidal ideation in Hispanic adolescents, while suicide attempts require clinical symptomatology. © 2010 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

publication date

  • January 1, 2011

start page

  • 57

end page

  • 70