Immigration and suicide in Spain: Literature review

Abstract

Objectives and method

Although it is increasingly an immigrant country, we can not forget that for years has been a world leader as a meeting place of many nationalities. It has carried out a review of the literature about the number of suicides that occur in the immigrant population of our country.

Results

Cultural factors that influence suicidal behavior are religion, socio-demographic factors (inverse relationship between socioeconomic status and suicide attempts), conflicts, alcohol/drugs, and social and family support as emigration entails fostering emotional and cultural rootlessness isolation and increased risk. Stresses in young Filipinos (20%) and American Indians (19%) than for any other ethnic group. Among the immigrants, I returned to their country of origin, the Germans have a 30% rate of suicides. And if we consider the length of stay, a clear decrease in rates seen since the frequent change of residence results in an increased risk. In the comparison of nationality and gender, it shows that the rate for suicides is very high among Moroccan women aged between 10 and 24 years.

Conclusions and discussion

Migration can alter the development and adaptation of people and sometimes increase the risk of suicide especially when migration occurs alone. Attempted suicide is an exceptional crisis that requires special attention. Progress in research will deepen the psychological effects of migration in adults and in children migrated.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.