Suicide Behavior Among Latino and Latina Adolescents: Conceptual and Methodological Issues

This article reviews the scientific literature related to suicide behaviour among Latino/a adolescents. Conceptual & methodological issues in research are examined & the role of contextual & developmental factors on suicide behaviour is discussed. The empirical findings of comparative ethnic minority studies, studies focused on Latino/a youth, & within-group studies are reviewed. For the most part, no explanatory variables that may account for the differences among groups or that help explain the meaning of the suicide behaviour were found. Research efforts should move away from using generic labels & shift toward addressing group-specific findings. (62 refs.)