Suicidality in Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong: the Role of Family and Cultural Influences

A community sample of 511 Hong Kong adolescents, age 15-19 years, were asked to indicate their suicidality in the past 12 months & in their lifetime. Generalized estimating equation regression models were used to examine the effect of psychosocial & socioenvironmental correlates in relation to suicide ideation. Data showed perceived responsibilities for family was the only protective factor, while a coping mechanism by behavioural disengagement, severity of depressive symptoms, a history of deliberate self-harm, chronic physical illness or pain, media reporting of suicide, & low household income were risk factors for suicide ideation. (44 refs.) JA