Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Asian American Students’ Suicidal Ideation: A Multi-Campus, National Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation among 1,377 Asian American college students’ across 66 campuses. The results indicated that medication for mental health concerns, gender, GPA, undergraduate status, religious affiliation, living with a family member, living with a partner, and active participation in student organizations were associated with morbid thoughts. Furthermore, medication for mental health concerns, undergraduate status, living with family, and active participation in student organizations were related to serious consideration of suicide. Among Asian Americans who seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months, recent family, academic, and financial problems were the top three most frequently endorsed events occurring before the development of suicidal ideation.