Detecting and Understanding Female Immigrant Suicide Cases Involving Intimate Partner Problems in National Violent Death Reporting System

Background & Purpose

One important but underexplored risk factor that can trigger suicide is intimate partner problems (IPP), which include relational issues such as conflict, divorce, separation, and intimate partner violence (IPV). For immigrants, IPP can exacerbate social isolation, increase psychosocial distress, and elevate suicidality, especially given the loss of familial and social networks during migration. However, little is known about the specific circumstances that contribute to suicidality among female immigrants experiencing IPP. The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), the nation’s most comprehensive registry of suicide mortality, provides narrative data that offer specific circumstances of IPP-included suicides. This study aims to analyze NVDRS narratives to identify and understand IPP-included female immigrant suicides.

Methods

A qualitative content analysis was conducted on 222 female immigrant suicide cases involving IPP using narrative data from the NVDRS (2013-2019). The narrative data included medical examiner records and law enforcement records on the deaths. To ensure coding reliability, we followed a three-step process. First, we piloted the analysis on a random sample of 120 cases. This involved using a pre-existing coding scheme developed from prior research (e.g., Kafka et al., 2022) and refining it based on the pilot test. The initial rate of intercoder agreement was 80%. Discrepancies were identified, discussed, and addressed among the coding team until agreement reached 100%. Next, two independent coders reviewed and coded all 222 cases using the finalized scheme. A third coder reviewed any cases with unclear details, and the team discussed and assigned the most appropriate codes. Finally, we aggregated and analyzed the coded data.

Results

The analysis identified the primary IPP factors leading to female immigrant suicide as divorce/separation (36%), conflicts (30%), IPV (24%), infidelity (18%), and financial disputes (16%). Of the 54 cases involving IPV, more than half (53%) reported recent IPV incidents within the last month before suicide. Alarmingly, only 8% (19 women) had accessed intervention services for IPP or IPV. Notably, 41% of the IPP-related suicides were impulsive, with no prior planning or attempts. Additionally, 24% of the women shared their suicide intentions with their partner, either to inform them (n=7) or as a threat (n=7) before committing suicide.

Conclusions and Implications

This study is one of the first to explore suicides involving IPP among female immigrants, utilizing a comprehensive national dataset. The findings indicate that divorce, separation, arguments, fights, and IPV are significant risk factors for suicidal tendencies among immigrant women. The study also reveals that these women tend to underutilize services for IPP and mental health issues, often disclosing their intentions to their partners rather than to service providers. Our presentation will offer novel evidence and tailored recommendations for suicide prevention strategies targeting this under-researched group. We will also systematically present our collaborative approach to analyzing large narrative datasets, informing future research implications.

References

Kafka, J. M., Moracco, K. B. E., Taheri, C., Young, B. R., Graham, L. M., Macy, R. J., & Proescholdbell, S. (2022). Intimate partner violence victimization and perpetration as precursors to suicide. SSM-Population Health, 18, 101079.