Clinical and Psychosocial Profiles of Asian Immigrants Who Repeatedly Attempt Suicide

BACKGROUND: Persons who repeatedly attempt suicide comprise a highly distressed population that warrants the understanding of risk and protective factors in assessment and treatment. There is a dearth of literature on Asian immigrants' suicidal behavior. AIMS: The study aimed to capture the clinical and psychosocial profiles of Asian immigrants who made repeated suicide attempts. METHOD: We utilized retrospective chart reviews (n = 44) and in-person interviews (n = 12) in two urban public hospitals. RESULTS: The study samples shared major suicide risk factors identified in studies of other populations. Participants of the interview sample suffered from a pervasive sense of hopelessness stemming from social isolation, self-stigma, feelings of failure in their life roles, and perceptions of rejection by their families. Conversely, psychological well-being--feeling cared for and able to reciprocate care for others--appeared to be a protective factor for participants who improved in their functioning and recovery. CONCLUSION: The study lays the groundwork for further research on suicide risk and protective factors.