Cultural nuances of East Asian American suicidality.

Abstract

Asian Americans (AAs) are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, with an 88% increase from 2000 to 2019. Alongside this population growth, the rate of suicide among AAs has also risen, particularly within the East AAs community, the focus of this study. The study involved 195 second-generation AA participants. Path analysis was conducted to examine the associations among bicultural identity integration, conflict stemming from parental expectations, depression, and experiences of discrimination with the constructs of belongingness and burdensomeness—central elements of the interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS). Findings indicate that greater integration into both the East AAs and U.S. American cultural contexts enhance feelings of belongingness, which subsequently reduces suicidal ideation. In contrast, elevated conflict due to parental expectations and greater depression symptoms were linked to increased feelings of burdensomeness, thereby increasing risk for suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts. Although discrimination showed significant correlations with thwarted belongingness and suicidality, belongingness did not mediate the relationship between discrimination and suicidal outcomes. Clinical and research implications of these findings are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)