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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

The study has been financed by the Research Authority, Ariel University. The author wishes to thank research assistants Alemnesh Asfaw and Yafit Trunish adai for their invaluable contribution to this paper.

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  1. Ariel University, Ariel, Israel

    Yael Wilchek-Aviad

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  1. Yael Wilchek-Aviad
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Wilchek-Aviad, Y. Meaning in Life and Suicidal Tendency Among Immigrant (Ethiopian) Youth and Native-Born Israeli Youth. J Immigrant Minority Health 17, 1041–1048 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-0028-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-0028-5

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