Special Considerations When Assessing the Hispanic Adolescent: Examining Suicide Risk

Abstract

Young people face a multitude of ongoing life stressors that can contribute to an increased risk of emotional, behavioral, and health difficulties. In fact, they might become predisposed to suicidal thoughts and actions after a succession of traumatic events, e.g., major losses, depression, personality disturbances. These factors can create emotional states that evoke feelings of hopelessness and despair. Taking into consideration that emotional dysregulation and unexpected or extreme stressors are highly related to suicide risk in young people; it is quite useful to assess not only suicide risk but also the number and type of stressors the adolescents is dealing with. This information can prove useful in the context of suicide risk assessment and also in the context of general assessment and can prove useful in the context of choosing appropriate interventions for the adolescent. It is also important to note that the presence of stress is considered a risk factor not only for the adolescent but also for their family. One major aim of our field is to work on health promotion by providing psychological attention to adolescents and their families with the goal being to enhance stress management and to improve relationships within the family. Better than resolving problems is preventing them, as prevention can be more effective than universal intervention. In fact, primary intervention can counteract against difficulties even before problems appear. It is necessary to assess suicidality among adolescents in order to stop suicide rates from increasing. From the data presented in this chapter, it is clear that suicidality in Hispanic adolescents should be assessed when risk facts are apparent so that preventative actions can be taken and treatment provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)