Moderators of Depression and Suicidal Ideation Among Latinos in the United States

Introduction : Despite increasing rates of mental health challenges among Hispanic populations in the United States, limited research has examined potential circumstances in the depression to suicidal ideation relationship in this demographic. This study investigated the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation, with a specific focus on the moderating roles of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and distress tolerance, two particularly impactful factors in suicide risk. Methods: This study included 800 Hispanic adults in Texas who completed measures of depression, suicidal ideation, ACEs, and distress tolerance. A dual-moderation analysis tested the direct and interactive effects of ACEs and distress tolerance on the link between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation while controlling for age, sex, and acculturative stress. Results : Depression and ACEs showed significant direct effects on suicidal ideation. While ACEs did not moderate the depression-suicidal ideation relationship, distress tolerance did. Notably, the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation was strongest among individuals with low distress tolerance compared to high levels. Acculturative stress was positively associated with suicidal ideation, while age was negatively associated. Discussion : These findings highlight the complex interplay between depression, distress tolerance, and suicidal ideation among Hispanic adults. The unexpected finding that lower distress tolerance strengthened the depression-suicide relationship suggests it may serve as a potential protective factor, warranting further investigation. Results underscore the need to further examine these relationships in a population facing growing mental health concerns.