Enculturation and Suicidal Ideation Among Korea and U.S. University Students

B. C. Ben Park, Jung Jin Kim, David Lester

Abstract


Previous research has shown that attachment to one’s cultural roots is a protective factor against suicidal behavior. A questionnaire was administered to 325 South Korean and 356 U.S. university students to assess their suicidal ideation, reasons for living, and attachment to their cultural heritage. The results indicated that the attachment to one’s cultural traditions and roots and having more reasons for living were protective factors against suicidal ideation in both cultures. The strength of the associations was much stronger, however, in South Korean students than in American students. Suicide prevention efforts should focus on increasing the ties of at-risk individuals to their cultural heritage.


Keywords


Enculturation; Suicidal ideation; Korea university students; U.S. university students

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3968/%25x

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