Experiences of stigma and suicidal behaviors among rural-to-urban migrants: the mechanistic roles of depression and substance use

ABSTRACT

This study aims to examine the mechanisms of how experiences of stigma affect suicidal behaviors through depression and substance use among migrant workers in China. A sample of 641 young rural-to-urban migrants was recruited in Beijing, China. Participants were assessed on their sociodemographic characteristics, suicidal behaviors, experiences of stigma, depression, and substance use. Path analysis was used to examine the relationship between experiences of stigma and suicidal behaviors as well as the mechanistic roles of depression and substance use. The path model showed a good model fit. While the direct path from experiences of stigma to suicidal behaviors was not significant, the indirect paths between these two concepts were significant. Experiences of stigma were positively associated with both depression and substance use, which in turn were positively related to suicidal behaviors. The chain effect from experiences of stigma, depression, substance use to suicidal behaviors was also significant. To prevent and reduce suicidal behaviors among migrant workers, targeted interventions focusing on reducing experiences of stigma and improving mental and behavioral health are needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Suicidal behaviors
• stigma
• depression
• substance use
• migrants
• China

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank all participants who gave of their time for the current study, and the reviewers for their helpful comments. The first author wants to thank Ms. Yunyu Xiao (New York University) for manuscript revision and support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) Research Grant R01NR10498 by the National Institute of Nursing Research and National Institute of Mental Health