Factors that influence suicidal ideation among elderly Korean immigrants: focus on diatheses and stressors

Abstract

Objectives: The study examined major diatheses and stressors directly related to suicidal ideation among elderly Korean immigrants. The study also explored the significant interactions among these factors.Method: Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of 220 elderly Korean immigrants (age ≥ 65) in Los Angeles County.Results: Using a robust hierarchical regression, the study found that neuroticism and hopelessness were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. In addition, two interaction terms – neuroticism by hopelessness and neuroticism by acculturation – were both significant predictor variables with strong explanatory power.Conclusion: The theoretical implications as well as the practical implications for developing and implementing late-life suicide prevention strategies are discussed.

Keywords:

• suicidal ideation
• diathesis
• stressors
• elderly Korean immigrants