Father–Daughter Relationships among Latina Adolescents Who Attempted Suicide: An Exploratory Dyadic Analysis

Abstract

Among adolescents, Latinas are at an increased risk of experiencing suicidal ideation and attempts compared to non‐Hispanic, White youth. Previous research indicates that family dynamics are influential as both protective and risk factors. Although significant research has been conducted over the past several decades examining the mother–daughter relationship, few studies have examined the father–daughter relationship among Latina adolescent suicide attempters. The relationship dynamics between fathers and daughters of Latina descent are both similar and unique compared to mother–daughter relationships. Given this, an in‐depth analysis is warranted. To address this gap, the present study utilized dyadic thematic analysis to describe father–daughter relationships (N = 10 dyads, 20 individual interviews) and fathers' reactions to their Latina daughters' suicide attempt(s). Three themes emerged from the results (a) dynamic proximity, which describes the variation in emotional and physical closeness between fathers and daughters; (b) father as protector, which describes fathers’ roles in protecting or failing to protect their daughters; (c) responses to the suicide attempt, which describes the various ways fathers responded to daughters’ suicide attempts, ranging from helpful action to apathy. Themes gleaned from in‐depth interviews informed a deeper understanding of these complex, multifaceted relationships, and how they may be linked to fathers' responses to daughters' suicide attempts. Implications for future research and clinical practice with youth at risk for suicidal ideations and behaviors, along with the impact of such experiences on families, are discussed.

Parents of Adolescents Who Experience Suicidal Phenomena—A Scoping Review of Their Experience

“…Numerous studies reported strong emotional responses from parents when they discovered the suicidal phenomena [ 20 , 23 , 24 , 30 , 35 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. Shock and surprise were typical for parents [ 23 , 30 , 35 , 40 ], alongside worry and anxiety about the situation and wellbeing for their child [ 30 , 35 , 38 ]. A retrospective quantitative study found that parents’ anxiety was highest on discovery but subsided somewhat the follow day [ 38 ].…”

“…Some studies reported that parents responded to the discovery with anger and hostility [ 23 , 30 , 35 , 38 , 39 ]. Ye et al [ 40 ] highlighted that parents were eager to understand the reasons for the suicidal phenomena, the uncertainty around which may have been contributing to the parents’ hostility.…”

Adolescent suicide prevention program recommendations from Latina immigrant mothers: “Starting with the word”.

“…Caregivers are critical in suicide prevention, especially for Latino adolescents in the United States (Boyas et al, 2019; Campos-Castillo et al, 2021; Gulbas & Zayas, 2015; O’Gara et al, 2022). However, few suicide prevention efforts target Latino caregivers, and even fewer consider their needs and preferences when developing those programs (Leong & Leach, 2010; Villarreal-Otálora et al, 2019).…”

“…Only mothers opted into this qualitative portion of the mixed-method project. Future studies should increase recruitment efforts for Latino immigrant fathers as they also play an essential role in the development and prevention of suicide (O’Gara et al, 2022; Piña-Watson et al, 2020). Additionally, we were not able to explore specific nuances in the participants’ interview responses.…”

Fathers’ presence and adolescents’ interpersonal relationship quality: Moderated mediation model

“… Rivers et al (2022) elaborated the interactive relationship between patrilineal attachment and anxiety and depression in high-risk adolescents from the perspective of attachment theory. O’Gara et al (2022) described the unique role of fathers in reducing their daughters’ suicidal ideation and trying risky behaviors.…”