Racial Discrimination, Coping, and Suicidal Ideation in Chinese Immigrants

Objectives: Although suicide is a major public health problem, little research has addressed factors linked to suicide risk in U.S. Asian ethnic subgroups, including the U.S. Chinese population. In this study, we investigate the relationship between racial discrimination and suicidal ideation among Chinese immigrants in the U.S., as well as the mediating and moderating role of coping. Method: This is a secondary analysis of online survey data from 501 Chinese immigrants in the U.S. Perceived racial discrimination and problemfocused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping were measured. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to determine whether the three types of coping served as mediators or moderators between racism and suicidal ideation. Results: Chinese immigrants who perceived racial discrimination were more likely to engage in suicidal ideation (OR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.05, 1.81]). Greater use of problem-focused coping was associated with decreased risk of suicidal ideation (OR = 0.38, 95% CI [0.26, 0.54]). The interaction of racial discrimination and problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping did not significantly predict suicidal ideation (p?>.05), but the mediating effects of emotion-focused and avoidant coping were significant. Conclusions: Greater attention should be paid to the detrimental effects of racial discrimination on suicidal ideation among Chinese immigrants.Afocus on strengthening problem-focused coping and reducing emotionfocused and avoidant coping among Chinese immigrants should lead to effective suicide prevention strategies.