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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 4/2016

01-08-2016 | Original Paper

An Investigation into Suicides Among Bhutanese Refugees Resettled in the United States Between 2008 and 2011

Authors: Ashley K. Hagaman, Teresa I. Sivilli, Trong Ao, Curtis Blanton, Heidi Ellis, Barbara Lopes Cardozo, Sharmila Shetty

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 4/2016

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Abstract

An increase of Bhutanese refugee suicides were reported in the US between 2009 and 2012. This investigation examined these reported suicides in depth to gain a better understanding of factors associated with suicide within this population. The study employed 14 psychological autopsies to elicit underlying motivations and circumstances for self-inflicted death and to identify potential future avenues for prevention and intervention among refugee communities. Disappointment with current (un)employment, lack of resettlement services and social support, and frustrations with separation from family were believed to contribute to suicidal acts. Suicide within refugee populations may be connected with experiences of family withdrawal, integration difficulties, and perceived lack of care. It is important to assess the effectiveness of improving refugee services on the mental health of migrants. More research is needed in order to better understand, and respond to, suicide in resettled populations.
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Metadata
Title
An Investigation into Suicides Among Bhutanese Refugees Resettled in the United States Between 2008 and 2011
Authors
Ashley K. Hagaman
Teresa I. Sivilli
Trong Ao
Curtis Blanton
Heidi Ellis
Barbara Lopes Cardozo
Sharmila Shetty
Publication date
01-08-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-015-0326-6

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