Suffering in silence: Depression and suicide among international students in the United States (IN: International Student Identities and Mental Well-Being: Beyond the Single Story, edited by G. Nyunt, K. Koo, P. Witkowsky & M. Andino)

This chapter reviews the latest research and theoretical perspectives on suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among international students in the United States. First, the chapter presents an overview of risk factors for international students’ depressive symptoms, one of the most robust predictors of suicidal thoughts. Next, the authors review one psychological theory of suicide and one cultural theory of suicide—Joiner’s interpersonal theory (Van Orden et al., 2010) and Chu’s cultural theory (Chu et al., 2010), respectively—and discuss their relevance to international students in better understanding their STBs. Finally, practical implications for preventing suicide in this population are offered.