Culturally Relevant Risk and Well-Being Factors of Suicide and Perceived Burdensomeness in an Asian Young Adult Sample

Given that suicide risk among Asian American young adults is a significant public health concern (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017, 2021), our study examined the culturally relevant risk factors for this population. This cross-sectional study (N = 255) utilized the interpersonal theory of suicide (Van Orden et al., 2010) to investigate culturally relevant risk factors associated with perceived burdensomeness among Asian young adults in the United States. Using a structural equation model, we identified that perceived burdensomeness was positively associated with family shame, family perfectionism, and suicide behavior. Further, indirect effects of family shame and family perfectionism were positively associated with suicide behaviors through perceived burdensomeness. Family shame and family perfectionism act as distal risk factors for suicide desire, with perceived burdensomeness serving as a proximal risk factor. Mental health professionals working with this population should be aware of these culturally relevant risk factors. Implementing empirically supported therapeutic and psychoeducational interventions may help mitigate suicide risks among this population.