Religious-ethnic differences in prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation and attempts among Israeli vocational education students

Joy Benatov, Ora Nakash, Shai Chen Gal, Sarah Abu Kaf, Anat Brunstein Klomek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The current study is the first to examine serious suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and psychological distress among students belonging to different religious-ethnic groups attending VET high schools. Method: 3,553 students studying in the VET high schools completed a self-report survey. The survey evaluated serious suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, depression, anxiety, somatization, self-efficacy, belonging and sociodemographic variables. Results: Students coming from minority groups (Arab Muslim, Bedouin Arab Muslim, Druze) are more likely to have seriously considered suicide or attempted suicide compared to their Jewish counterparts, with the exception of Christian Arabs. Bedouin Arab Muslim students were more susceptible to suicide ideation and attempts upon high depression levels. Conclusions: Minority youth at VET schools are at greater risk of experiencing suicidal ideation and attempting suicide compared to non-minority students. The education system must be highly alert to depressive symptoms among Bedouin Arab Muslim students since they may pose a greater risk to develop into suicidal ideation and attempt.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)40-47
Number of pages8
JournalIsrael Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences
Volume53
Issue number3
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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