No previous studies have examined suicide risk among Central American immigrants. The present study explored the relationship between acculturative stress, depression, and suicidal ideation among Central American immigrants. Also examined were variables that predict depression and suicidal ideation. Elevated levels of acculturative stress were significantly correlated with high levels of depression and suicidal ideation. Family dysfunction, ineffective social support, nonpositive expectations concerning the future, low levels of religiosity, low levels of education and income, and lack of agreement with the decision to immigrate were significantly associated with high levels of depression and suicidal ideation. The overall findings suggest that Central American immigrants who experience elevated levels of acculturative stress may be at risk for experiencing heightened levels of depression and suicidal ideation. The findings highlight the importance of using culturally relevant clinical methods when assessing and treating depressed and potentially suicidal acculturating individuals.

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rating scale depression immigrant Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) regression analysis Population Surveillance Sampling Studies human middle aged suicide attempt Stress, Psychological mental stress Aged Central America social support religion Humans Adolescent male Acculturation prediction female Risk Factors Psychiatric Status Rating Scales questionnaire cultural factor Article experience Questionnaires adult major clinical study Emigration and Immigration Los Angeles Suicide