Charting suicide risk in Latina adolescents: A qualitative system dynamics approach

Suicide risk among Latina adolescents is shaped by dynamic interactions among emotional, behavioral, and sociocultural factors. This study develops a causal feedback theory to illustrate how these factors reinforce or mitigate suicide risk over time.

Using grounded theory analysis, we analyzed qualitative interviews with 60 Latina adolescents (ages 11-19) recruited from New York City: 30 with a history of suicide attempts and 30 with no reported history of suicidal behaviors. Participants varied by Hispanic cultural group, place of birth, and documentation status.

Our feedback theory is organized around seven categories: cognitive vulnerabilities, avoidant coping, high-risk behaviors, family conflict, social support, cultural socialization, and ethnic identity. A reinforcing loop of cognitive vulnerabilities, avoidant coping, high-risk behaviors, and family conflict was more common among adolescents who had attempted suicide. In contrast, social support, cultural socialization, and ethnic identity functioned as protective mechanisms that disrupted risk loops among those without suicidal behaviors. These findings suggest that while risk factors increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, access to protective resources can interrupt risk trajectories and promote resilience.

This study highlights the importance of culturally responsive suicide prevention strategies that strengthen social support, cultural socialization, and ethnic pride. By modeling suicide risk as a dynamic system, these findings provide new insights for intervention efforts tailored to the experiences of Latina adolescents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).