Abstracts Category : Other

The Mediating Role of Social Support on Familism and Suicidal Ideation

by Crystal Flores

In 2012, suicide was the third leading cause of death in Hispanic people between the ages of 15 to 24. Belonging to an ethnic minority group, and the process of acculturation can have an effect on rates of suicide. Familism has been shown to serve as a protective factor against some behaviors that are considered risky or problematic, including suicide-related behaviors. Still, not much research has been conducted on the roles of familism and perceived social support in suicidality. In fact, existing research on familism and suicide is limited and somewhat conflicting. Additionally, it has been suggested that perceived social support could potentially be the component within familism that serves as a protective factor against suicide. Because any one suicide attempt or completion is one too many, there is a need for the continuation of research to help clarify the roles of familism and social support on suicidal ideation among Hispanic students. The present study tested the hypotheses that familism is negatively associated with suicidal ideation and with depression; that familism is positively associated with family cohesion; and that family cohesion mediates the relationship between familism and suicidal ideation, as well as the relationship between familism and depression. Results supported these hypotheses. This suggests that family cohesion is a critical factor in the promotion of suicide/depression prevention efforts.Advisors/Committee Members: Calder??n, Carlos, O (advisor), Toro, Rosa, I (committeeMember).