Suicide Ideation in Different Generations of Immigrants

Abstract

Objective: To identify whether pressures associated with acculturation are related to suicide ideation. Method: We assessed 1135 undergraduates, using suicide measures and the Vancouver Index of Acculturation. Results and Conclusions: Suicide ideation, plans, and attempts did not vary by generation level or with mainstream acculturation for any of the ethnic groups studied (European, Chinese, and Indo-Asian), nor did they vary among ethnic groups. The results indicate that individuals who identified closely with their heritage culture were at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts but not for suicide plans or attempts.