Ni De Aqui, Ni De Alla: Exploring the Role of Biculturalism, Cultural Values, and Caregiver-Adolescent Conflict in Chicana Adolescent Suicide

Over the past decade, youth suicide rates have surged (Curtin & Hedegaard,

2019). However, trends often obscure the significant impact of suicide-related behaviors

within communities of color, especially Latinx youth (King et al., 2018). Latina

adolescents experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts than their male

counterparts, highlighting the need for targeted research and interventions (CDC, 2021).

This dissertation examines Chicana adolescent suicidality through the lens of

Gloria Anzaldúa’s borderlands theory (1987), with a focus on biculturalism, cultural

values, and caregiver-adolescent conflict. Using a qualitative phenomenological

approach, the study explores the lived experiences of Chicana adults who attempted

suicide as adolescents. Semi-structured interviews with 11 adult Chicanas offer insight

into how cultural and gendered identities shape their mental health struggles.

The findings reveal a lack of emotional support and connection between Chicana

adolescents and their caregivers, which exacerbated the mental health challenges

triggered by expectations and bicultural stress. Participants often felt a lack of belonging,

intensified by bicultural policing, gendered expectations, and the pressures of familismo.

These dynamics significantly contributed to caregiver-adolescent conflict and, eventually,

suicide attempts.

This research underscores the unique vulnerability of Chicana adolescents to mental health challenges

rooted in cultural pressures and insufficient caregiver support. It advocates for the development of

culturally sensitive mental health interventions tailored to the specific needs of Chicana youth.

Furthermore, it calls on mental health practitioners to incorporate an understanding of bicultural stress and

caregiver-adolescent dynamics into their therapeutic practices.