Disparities in Suicidality Among East, South, and Southeast Asian College Students: Unmasking the Hidden Mental Health Crisis.

PURPOSE: To examine heterogeneity in suicidality and related factors among East, South, and Southeast Asian students using data from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment survey.

METHODS

Data came from 412,981 college students including 67,105 East, South, and Southeast Asian students (Mage = 23.2, SD = 6.3). Structural equation modeling with invariance testing was conducted to identify predictors of suicidality and differences between East, South or Southeast Asian, as well as non-Asian students.

RESULTS

Comparing East, South, and Southeast Asian students to non-Asian students, the only meaningful difference was significantly higher substance use among the non-Asian students. Among the 3 Asian ethnicities, Southeast Asian students reported significantly higher psychological distress and suicidality compared to East and South Asian students. Their reported rates of suicidality were comparable to non-Asian students.

DISCUSSION: Aggregated data on Asian Americans conceals disparities in suicidality. Findings demonstrate that Southeast Asian students were at significantly higher risk for suicidality compared to their East and South Asian and non-Asian peers, highlighting the need for culturally responsive mental health interventions.