Meaning in Life and Suicidal Tendency Among Immigrant (Ethiopian) Youth and Native-Born Israeli Youth

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

The impact of meaning in life, or lack thereof, on suicidal tendencies among populations at greater risk—youth born to immigrants from developing countries, in this case Ethiopia—in comparison to native-born Israeli youth was examined among 277 adolescents—162 of Israeli origin and 115 of Ethiopian origin—aged 15–18. (1) Overall significant negative correlation between meaning in life and suicidal tendencies was found; (2) no difference was found in meaning in life between immigrant and native-born youth; (3) higher suicidal tendency, anxiety and depression were found among immigrants, with boys displaying more anxiety than girls. No difference in depression was detected between Ethiopian boys and girls. Meaning in life is crucial to minimizing suicidal tendencies among youth, native-born and immigrant alike. Establishment of prevention, intervention and therapy plans in the age range crucial for suicide. Such programs should be based upon finding meaning in life.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1041-1048
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume17
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 23 Aug 2015

Keywords

  • Immigrant
  • Meaning in life
  • Suicidal tendency
  • Youth

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Meaning in Life and Suicidal Tendency Among Immigrant (Ethiopian) Youth and Native-Born Israeli Youth'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this