Correlates of lifetime Suicidal Ideation and lifetime Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among Asian American adolescents and young adults: Perceived discrimination, family cohesion, and coping skills

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with lifetime suicidal ideation and MDD among Asian American adolescents transitioning to young adulthood (age 18-28).

Methods: Data were derived from the 2002-2003 US National Latino and Asian American Study (n=459, women n=239, men n=220). Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for perceived discrimination, family cohesion, and coping skills in relation to mental health outcomes.

Results: Approximately 19% of women and 12% of men reported lifetime suicidal ideation. The prevalence of lifetime MDD for women and men were approximately 16% and 10%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that lower educational level (OR=.74, CI=.60-.91) and lower family cohesion (OR=.89, CI=.83-.96) were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal ideation. Factors associated with MDD included being female (OR=2.83, CI=1.09-7.35), higher level of perceived discrimination (OR=1.09, CI=1.03-1.16), and lower degree of family cohesion (OR=.93, CI=.87-1.00). Passive acceptance as a coping skill was marginally associated with MDD (OR= 6.1, CI=.82-44.9).

Conclusion: The findings show that young Asian American women are particularly at greater risk for suicidal ideation and MDD. The results also provide empirical evidence for a link between perceived discrimination and depression among young Asian Americans, which is in line with existing literature on other ethnic groups. Prevention and treatment efforts to improve mental health for young Asian Americans need to include strengthening family cohesion, raising awareness of the adverse impact of perceived discrimination, and enhancing coping skills such as assertiveness and being proactive.