Suicide Risk Factors for Young Adults: Testing a Model Across Ethnicities

A general path model based on existing suicide risk research was developed to test factors contributing to current suicidal ideation in young adults. A sample of 673 undergraduates completed a package of questionnaires containing the Beck Depression Inventory, Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire, & Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale. Structural equation modeling was used to test the fit of the data to the hypothesized model. Goodness-of-fit indices were adequate & supported the interactive effects of exposure, repulsion by life, depression, & history of self-harm or current ideation. Model fit for 3 subgroups based on ethnicity determined that repulsion by life & depression function differently across groups. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of the importance of culture. (47 refs.)