Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children of Immigrants: The Experience of Korean-American Women. Issue 2 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chung, Saras; Lesorogol, Carolyn
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnic & cultural diversity in social work. Volume 28:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 191
• Page End: 210
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Asian-American -- immigrant children -- Korean-American -- NSSI -- suicide; Social work with minorities -- Periodicals; Social work with minorities -- United States -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Minority Groups -- Periodicals; 362.84
• DOI: 10.1080/15313204.2016.1241974
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1531-3204

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This qualitative study examines the experience of Korean-American women who had suicidal thoughts and/or used nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) during adolescence. This study aims to understand the etiology, help-seeking behaviors, and recovery of these young women. Eleven Korean-American women (mean age 26.7) were recruited and interviewed using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were coded using a grounded theoretical framework. Themes indicate that participants experienced poor relationships with a parent, an inability to process their difficulties, and academic success despite their behaviors. Participants also indicated feelings of perfectionism and did not seek help, resulting in a theme called the paradox of perfection.