Examining Ethnocultural Differences in Adolescent Suicide Ideation and the Role of Family Factors

In our study we examine the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation among adolescents from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds in the Netherlands (western-Europe), with a focus on the role of family factors. Using a large, ethnoculturally diverse sample of almost 6,000 adolescents, we explored differences in the prevalence of suicidal ideation in youth across six ethnocultural backgrounds: native Dutch (21.8%), Turkish (14%), North African (9.6%), Eastern European (37.1%), Middle Eastern refugee (17.6%), and Caribbean (25.3%). Findings revealed substantial disparities in suicidal ideation: adolescents with an Eastern European background reported the highest levels of suicidal ideation, while those with Turkish and North African backgrounds reported the lowest. Across all groups, girls exhibited higher rates of suicidal ideation than boys. Multivariate analyses showed that family conflict and perceived poor financial situation were significant risk factors, while family support and parental monitoring were protective factors. Family structure (i.e., household composition) did not significantly predict suicidal ideation. Importantly, the elevated risk among youth with an Eastern European background was explained by family factors and perceived financial situation, suggesting a key role of familial stressors in understanding ethnocultural disparities. Our study highlights the need for culturally sensitive, family-centered interventions—particularly targeting adolescents with an Eastern Europeanand Caribbean ethnocultural background—to reduce high rates of suicidal ideation across increasingly diverse youth populations in Europe.