Suicide in Hispanic Females.
November 16, 2007
The history of suicidal behavior stems from Biblical times, and yet the causes and motives for committing suicide are still investigated today. Several mitigating factors influence a person’s likelihood of attempting suicide. Research findings have demonstrated that environmental factors play a critical role in the ideation and attempting of suicide. One group in particular which has been greatly affected by suicidality is young Hispanic females. One in five adolescent Hispanic females attempts suicide. In comparison to their non-Hispanic counterparts, Hispanic girls attempt suicide at a much higher rate (Zayas, Lester, Cabassa, & Fortuna, 2005). Such statements warrant alarm and concern. Although familial interactions play an important role in influencing suicidal behavior, several researchers suggest that culture and acculturation cause stress to the family structure, which increases the likelihood of attempting suicide (Zayas et al., 2005).
Many Hispanic parents who immigrate to the United States continue to instill the culture and values of their country of origin to their children. However, an imbalance often arises between parents who continue to instill the culture and traditions of their native country, and children who are attempting to acculturate into the mainstream culture (Zayas et al., 2005). Being accepted by one’s peers is a fundamental reality among adolescents and teenagers. Although many Hispanic girls may view acculturation as a means to obtain friends and acceptance, many parents view it as a threat to their family.
A relationship exists between acculturation rates and suicide (Zayas et al., 2005). The greater a Hispanic girl’s level of acculturation, the greater the risk for her to participate in suicidal behavior. However, it is interesting to note that greater levels of acculturation reduce the likelihood of suicide among Asian American adolescents and teenagers (Jernewall, Lau, Myers, & Zane, 2002). It is through acculturation that Asian American youngsters adopt an individualistic mindset, which acts as a safeguard during stressful events within the family structure. The Asian culture considers the family system to be a collective unit. When Asian American youths are at conflict with their parents, the ability to think and act as an individual works as a coping mechanism. Youths who have low acculturation greatly depend on their familial relationships as a means of support and self-preservation. Therefore, when such relationships are threatened, such youths are unable to cope effectively and may pursue suicide as a means of escape. Rather than view high levels of acculturation as a probable cause in suicidal behavior among Hispanic girls, researchers should investigate the similarities of the family system and acculturation between Hispanic American and Asian American youths. It is possible that although high levels of acculturation increase the likelihood of suicide in some Hispanic girls, in others it acts as a safeguard which reduces suicidal behavior.
Latin American Girl
Zayas, L. H., Lester, R. J., Cabassa, L. J., & Fortuna, L. R. (2005). WHy do many Latina teens attempt suicide? A conceptual model. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 75(2), 275-287.
Jernewall, N. M., Lau, A. S., Myers, H. F., & Zane, N. (2002). Correlates of suicidal behaviors among Asian American outpatient youths. Cultureal Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 8, 199-213.
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6 Responses to “Suicide in Hispanic Females.”
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Hi Latin American Girl
Excellent topic! Do you think the findings can be extrapolated to say West Indian women who migrate to the United States and finding themselves in similar situations?
Hi Apple,
I definitely think that similar findings can be extrapolated to West Indian women or other women from similar cultural backgrounds who migrate to the United States. I believe that upbringing, the importance of the family, as well as family dynamics play a vital role in an individual’s susceptibility towards suicide. Also, culture and the family have an influence on an individual’s process of acculturation, as well as the importance they place on it. However, I am very careful about making judgments on groups, as each individual has their own story. In cities which have such large Hispanic populations, such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, it would be beneficial to not only explore the relationship between suicide and acculturation, but also implement programs and workshops for individuals who have immigrated to the United States and are struggling with acculturation and suicide/depression.
From a religious platform, how do you see the the church as a value/belief focal point having sort of an action potential hand (all or none) in the attempted suicide rates and do you think that the suicide levels are high due to a trickle down effect meaning it an ultimate means to be rebelious?
I definitely believe that the church has an influential effect on family dynamics. And from my own personal experiences, the stronger the influence religion has on a family, the more male dominated the household is. I think that when families immigrate to the United States, conflict often arises in the family when females begin to come into their own independence. This conflict can increase the possibility of suicide because such females feel trapped. On the other hand, there are also individuals for whom religion is a safeguard against suicide because of the belief of religious persecution to one’s soul and family if a person commits suicide.
“It is possible that although high levels of acculturation increase the likelihood of suicide in some Hispanic girls, in others it acts as a safeguard which reduces suicidal behavior.” - I agree!
I think it all depends on each individual and their outlook on life - how they were raised plays a significant role. And depending on that individual acculturation will have either a positive or a negative effect.
This is why I think it’s important to incorporate aspects of both psychology and sociolgy into research, which look at both the individual and society. Yes, a group may have certain characteristics because a majority of its members behave a certain way and therefore have that reflection of them. At the same time, groups are comprised of individuals, each which is unique in their own way.