10 Suicidality Among Acculturating Mexican Americans: Current Knowledge and Directions for Research
Joseph D. Hovey,
Cheryl A. King,
Corresponding Author
Joseph D. Hovey
Department of Psychology, University of Michigan.
Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 525 E. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109–1109. [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorCheryl A. King
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Michigan.
Search for more papers by this authorJoseph D. Hovey,
Cheryl A. King,
Corresponding Author
Joseph D. Hovey
Department of Psychology, University of Michigan.
Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 525 E. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109–1109. [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorCheryl A. King
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Michigan.
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Despite the dramatic increase in Mexican-American immigration over the past two decades, the acculturative experience and its relationship to suicide risk have received little attention within the field of suicidology. This paper summarizes findings from community-based studies that have explored suicide and risk factors among immigrant and Mexican-American groups, and suggests directions for future research. Most of these studies have been epidemiologic, and relatively few have addressed risk and protective factors within well-defined acculturating groups. Further study of the full continuum of suicidal thoughts and behaviors that examines precise cultural risk factors, and uses methodologies that combine quantitative and qualitative data, may improve our understanding of suicide risk among acculturating Mexican Americans.
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