Risk and Protective Factors for Suicidal Behaviors in Mexican Youth: Evidence for the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide
According to the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Latino youth reported engaging in suicidal ideation and attempts more frequently when compared to African American and Caucasian youth. These findings have remained a consistent trend in epidemiological studies for the past 15 years (Duarte-Velez & Bernal, 2007). Building on this knowledge base, it is important to examine specific factors related to suicidal behaviors in Latino youth. The main focus of this study was twofold. First, we aimed to examine suicidal behavior among Mexican youth in the context of well-established predictors of suicide, as well as cultural risk and protective factors that are relevant to their experience. Second, we aimed to examine suicidal behavior among Mexican youth within the framework of the interpersonal theory of suicide (Joiner, 2005). This theory is particularly relevant to Mexican youth. For example, in the presence of the high levels of family conflict Mexican youth may experience a lack of belongingness and an increased sense of perceived burdensomeness. Family cohesion is a core-value of the Latino culture, and thus, family conflict can lead to the loss of important social support systems for Mexican youth. A total of 152 Mexican adolescents participated in the study. The participants completed a questionnaire packet containing a demographic questionnaire; the Family Environment Scale (Moos & Moos, 1993), the Personal Resources Questionnaire (Weinert, 1987), the Coping Competence Questionnaire (Schroder, 2004), the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (Van Orden , Witte, Gordon, Bender, & Joiner, 2008), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (Beck, Weissman, Lester & Trexler, 1974), the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale-2 (Reynolds, 1987), and the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (Osman, Bagge, Gutierrez, Konick, Kopper, & Barrios, 2001). Family conflict, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, hopelessness and depression had a positive association with suicidal behaviors. On the other hand, coping competence and social support were negatively associated with suicidal behaviors. Furthermore, those individuals that reported at least one previous suicide attempt reported greater levels of depressive symptomatology, hopelessness, and perceived burdensomeness. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that family conflict and depression were significant predictors of suicidal behaviors. In addition, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were significant moderators in the relationship between depression and suicidal behaviors. The findings of this study can aid in the understanding of factors that are relevant to the experience of Latino youth, and may contribute to suicidal behaviors in this group. The primary implication of these findings is to inform the development of appropriate suicide prevention efforts.
Psychology, suicide, adolescents, Mexican, interpersonal theory of suicide
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