Objectives: The study examined major diatheses and stressors directly related to suicidal ideation among elderly Korean immigrants. The study also explored the significant interactions among these factors.Method: Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of 220 elderly Korean immigrants (age ≥ 65) in Los Angeles County.Results: Using a robust hierarchical regression, the study found that neuroticism and hopelessness were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. In addition, two interaction terms-neuroticism by hopelessness and neuroticism by acculturation-were both significant predictor variables with strong explanatory power.Conclusion: The theoretical implications as well as the practical implications for developing and implementing late-life suicide prevention strategies are discussed. © 2013 Taylor & Francis.

Suicidal ideation Elderly Korean immigrants stressors diathesis

South Korea Republic of Korea complication Disease Susceptibility human epidemiology daily life activity Activities of Daily Living Stress, Psychological mental stress Aged social support Psychological Tests ethnology Cross-Sectional Studies interview United States cross-sectional study migrant psychology Humans Interviews as Topic male Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation Aged, 80 and over personality test very elderly risk factor Personality Inventory Risk Factors female cultural factor psychologic test disease predisposition Los Angeles suicidal ideation