Psychosocial Predictors of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Mexican-Origin Youths: An 8-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youths in the United States. More Latino adolescents report suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors (STBs) than youths of most other ethnic communities. Yet few studies have examined multiple psychosocial predictors of STBs in Latino youths using multiyear longitudinal designs. In this study, we evaluated the progression of STBs in 674 Mexican-origin youths (50% female) from fifth grade (10 years old) to 12th grade (17 years old) and identified psychosocial predictors of changes in STBs across this period. Latent growth curve models revealed that being female and later-generation status were associated with increasing prevalence in STBs across adolescence. Family conflict and peer conflict predicted increased STBs, whereas greater familism predicted less STBs. Thus, interpersonal relationships and cultural values contribute to the development of STBs in Mexican-origin youths and may be key levers for decreasing suicidality in this understudied but rapidly growing portion of the U.S. adolescent population.

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

“…While research notes multiple system-level factors associated with Latino adolescent suicide (e.g., substance use, depression, trauma, family, acculturation), most risk factors are housed within two systems: school and family. Within the school system, violence (e.g., bullying, sexual assault) along with overall conflict are positively correlated with suicidal attempts among Latino adolescents (Gonzalves et al, 2023; Vélez-Grau & Lindsey, 2022; Villarreal-Otálora et al, 2020). Additionally, ethnic-based discrimination, which Latino adolescents frequently experience within the school context, significantly increases their suicide risk (Cervantes et al, 2014).…”

“…Additionally, ethnic-based discrimination, which Latino adolescents frequently experience within the school context, significantly increases their suicide risk (Cervantes et al, 2014). Within the family system, familial conflict is positively correlated to suicide risk (Gonzalves et al, 2023; Vélez-Grau & Lindsey, 2022), along with other unique cultural factors, such as caregiver–adolescent acculturation gaps (Cervantes et al, 2014; Gulbas & Zayas, 2015; Vélez-Grau & Lindsey, 2022).…”

“…For example, research with Latina adolescents who have attempted suicide consistently finds that having meaningful, supportive, mother–daughter relationships promotes healthy adolescent coping and feelings of belonging, which deter suicidal behaviors (Gulbas & Zayas, 2015). Alternatively, parental monitoring (Kim et al, 2020) and the cultural value of familism, particularly its effective transmission, are protective factors against suicide among Latino adolescents (Gonzalves et al, 2023; Valdivieso-Mora et al, 2016; Vélez-Grau & Lindsey, 2022). Importantly, Latino family support can help to mitigate the deleterious effects of discrimination, bullying, and peer violence experienced within the school setting (Hovmand et al, 2022), pointing to the importance of engaging Latino caregivers in suicide prevention.…”