Full Citation
Title: Immigration Status, Legal Vulnerability, and Suicidal/Self-harm Ideation Disparities Among Immigrant-Origin Latinx Young Adults in the U.S.
Citation Type: Journal Article
Forthcoming?: Yes
ISBN:
ISSN: 21968837
DOI: 10.1007/S40615-023-01682-7/TABLES/2
NSFID:
PMCID:
PMID: 37349669
Abstract: Theories of suicidality typically center intrapersonal processes, with limited attention to social determinants of mental health disparities. Using a legal vulnerability framework, we examined the association between self/parental immigration status and suicidal and self-harm ideation (SI) disparities in three groups of immigrant-origin Latinx young adults attending college in the USA: undocumented students (n = 564), US citizens with undocumented parents (n = 605), and US citizens with lawfully present parents (n = 596). We also evaluated whether self/parental immigration status differences in SI could be accounted for by six dimensions of legal vulnerability and, based on prominent theories of suicidality, explored the role of campus belongingness as a protective factor. Participants completed self-report measures, and SI was assessed using one item from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, a screening tool that assesses the severity of depression symptomatology. Rates of SI were significantly higher among undocumented students (23.1%) and US citizens with undocumented parents (24.3%) compared to US citizens with lawfully present parents (17.8%). Immigration policy-related social exclusion and discrimination-mediated self/parental immigration status differences in SI. Although food insecurity did not differ by self/parental immigration status, greater food insecurity was associated with higher likelihood of SI. Greater campus belongingness was associated with a lower likelihood of endorsing SI for all students regardless of immigration status or legal vulnerability factors. Findings underscore the importance of examining self and parental immigration status as a social determinant of SI and the value of investigating aspects of legal vulnerability as explanatory factors.
Url: https://link-springer-com.ezp1.lib.umn.edu/article/10.1007/s40615-023-01682-7
User Submitted?: No
Authors: Hagan, Melissa J.; Hernandez, Martha Morales; Enriquez, Laura E.; Ayón, Cecilia
Periodical (Full): Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
Issue:
Volume:
Pages: 1-12
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Fertility and Mortality, Health, Race and Ethnicity
Countries: