NCJ Number
228851
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 14 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2009 Pages: 470-477
Date Published
December 2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between interpersonal violence and suicide indicators among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adolescents.
Abstract
The rates of suicidality were alarming with 20 percent of youths considering suicide, 18 percent making a plan for suicide, and 11 percent attempting suicide. Findings suggest that the Teen Power and Control Wheel which is most often used by counselors to educate youth about the stages of dating violence, may also be a useful tool for understanding the relationship between interpersonal violence and suicide among AAPI youth. Although no ethnic differences in suicidal indicators were found, the sample was predominantly Filipino and Native Hawaiian youth, suggesting these groups are at extremely high-risk. Socio-cultural practices may explain suicidality among indigenous Pacific Islander youth, including Western role designations that do not match traditional family roles, with males being particularly alienated. Through acculturative stress (loss of land, language, customs, and much of its culture and population), Native Hawaiians have historical legacies that contribute to ongoing intergenerational trauma, unresolved grief, and historical trauma response often linked with self-destructive behaviors like suicide, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and anger. The acculturative stress hypothesis can also play a role in the elevated suicide rates among Filipino youth as they struggle with immigration to a new country, parents with English as a second language who often work multiple jobs, and limited financial resources and family support. Data were collected from 881 students in grades 9-12, from 2 high schools on the island of O'ahu, HI. Tables, figure, appendix, and references