Hamilton, E. (2013). A Review of Cultural Disparities Regarding Suicidal Behavior in At Risk Populations. Undergraduate Journal of Psychology Berkeley, 6.

Abstract

Suicide is a ubiquitous phenomenon that permeates all cultures and socioeconomic strata. In recent years it has been determined that the prevalence of suicidal thoughts, suicide planning, and suicide attempts is significantly higher among young adults aged 18 to 29 years than among adults aged 30 years and older (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010). In conjunction with adolescence, culture and ethnicity have been regarded as influences of suicidal behavior. At risk racial/ethnic groups are classified as those with disproportionately high suicide attempt rates, among them being Latinos, African Americans, and American Indian/Alaska Natives. Cultural factors exist that may act as protectors or precipitants of suicidal behavior in certain racial/ethnic groups. Family, history, environment, identity, religion, and help seeking behaviors were recurring themes in the literature and were found to have disparate effects on manifestation of suicidality. By targeting these specific ethnic differences, culturally sensitive treatment and prevention approaches can anticipate higher success rates among suicidal individuals.