Acculturative Stress, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation Among Mexican-American Adolescents: Implications for the Development of Suicide Prevention Programs in Schools

This study explored the relationship of scores on acculturative stress with those on depression & suicidal ideation among 26 male & 28 female Mexican-American students from a California high school. Analyses suggested that acculturating Mexican-American adolescents who report high scores on acculturative stress may report elevated scores for depression & suicidal ideation. Researchers should assess suicide risk within this & other acculturating groups, & risk factors specific to acculturating groups should be considered in the development & implementation of suicide prevention programs in schools. (10 refs.)