Associations between social network characteristics and suicidal thoughts among refugees in the Southwest U.S

Refugees face heightened risks of suicidal ideation due to pre- and post-migration stressors, yet little is known about how personal social networks are associated with these risks. This study examined associations between social network characteristics and suicidal thoughts among refugees resettled in the Southwestern U.S. Using a community-based participatory research approach and cross-sectional survey design (N = 150), egocentric social network analysis assessed both structural and functional dimensions of participants' networks. Findings revealed that larger network size was associated with higher odds of suicidal thoughts, whereas ties to children or extended family and higher levels of emotional support were associated with lower odds of suicidal thoughts. These results underscore the importance of prioritizing relationship quality and diversity, rather than network size alone, in suicide prevention efforts. They also highlight the need for culturally responsive, network-based interventions tailored to refugee communities, with critical implications for practice, policy, and future research.