Abstract
The suicide rate among Asian American adolescents has sharply increased in recent years. This article examines the factors which influence suicidal ideation, predictors of suicide, and treatment approaches for Asian American adolescents. It is imperative that mental health professionals understand the risk factors which may predict suicidal ideation. Predictors of suicide for Asian American adolescents include mental health issues, family dynamics, and academic and societal expectations and perceived pressures. Asian American adolescents report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their European American counterparts. The risk of suicide is likely to decrease when Asian American adolescents have supportive families. In academic settings, the model minority image can be detrimental to the mental health of Asian American adolescents which may lead to depression and potentially suicide. Social identity and religious beliefs are societal factors which may contribute to the incidence of suicide among Asian American adolescents. Mental health practitioners should be knowledgeable about these unique suicide prevention and intervention strategies to help reduce the incidence of suicide among Asian American adolescents. The Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) model can be utilized by mental health professionals for suicide risk management and prevention with Asian American adolescents. Intervention programs which may be effective for Asian American adolescents at risk for suicidality include the Penn Resiliency Program (PRP), BeyondBlue, Problem Solving for Life (PSFL), and Depression in the Classroom.
Recommended Citation
Blalock, Kacie; Nance, Ashton; Keco, Anna-Katrina; and Cubley, Britney
(2019)
"A Silent Epidemic: Prevalence of Suicide Among Asian American Adolescents,"
Louisiana Journal of Counseling: Vol. 26:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ljc/vol26/iss1/5