Suicidal Asian American College Students' Perceptions of Protective Factors: A Qualitative Study

Death Stud. 2015;39(8):500-7. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2014.970299. Epub 2015 Feb 13.

Abstract

This study addresses the paucity of knowledge on protective factors associated with Asian American college students' suicidal behavior. Participants were 58 Asian American college students who seriously considered suicide within the past 12 months and responded to open-ended online survey questions about what was helpful during their suicide crisis. A phenomenological analysis of participants' narratives revealed the following protective factors: (a) a desire not to hurt or burden others, (b) social support, (c) fear, (d) self-reliance, and (e) insight. These findings can guide culturally informed clinical interventions by mental health professionals.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asian / psychology*
  • Fear / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Qualitative Research
  • Self Efficacy
  • Social Support
  • Students / psychology*
  • Suicidal Ideation*
  • Suicide / ethnology
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities
  • Young Adult