Perceived discrepancies in family behavior within Latina/o emerging adults: The effects of familismo values on suicidal ideation, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness

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2019-08

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Abstract

Studies have found no difference in suicidal ideation or suicide attempts in Latina/o young adults compared to other ethnic groups. One way to address this major public health issue is to prevent the manifestation of suicidal ideation in emerging Latina/o adults before they lead to suicidal behaviors and death, which may be done by reducing suicidal ideation through the use of family-centered cultural values (familismo) and the family environment. This study examined five moderation models on Latina/o emerging adults: four examined the interaction between familial beliefs and their family context counterpart (i.e., Latinas/os experienced family interaction or perceived behaviors) on suicidal ideation, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, and the other which tested the interpersonal theory of suicidal behavior on Latina/o emerging adults. Results found two statistically significant moderation. One suggested that individuals were less at risk to feel like a burden to others if they believed they positively contributed to their family, and this negative relationship was strengthened the more individuals held high expectations about how family members, including themselves, should behave to maintain the family integrity. The other, suggested that individuals were more likely to believe they were a burden to others the more they attempted to maintain family accord by avoiding confrontation, and this relationship was strengthened the more individuals had beliefs around prioritizing the family’s needs before one’s own. Results suggest that family environment, perceived behaviors, and perceived burdensomeness may be factors that directly influence suicide-related factors and are not impacted by familial beliefs. However, alternative models were also explored. Implications on these findings are discussed as are limitations and future research directions.

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Latino, Latina, Latinx, Suicidal ideation, Suicide, Perceived burdensomeness, Thwarted belongingness, Familismo, Family beliefs, Emerging adults, Young adults, Protective factors, Risk factors

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