The Impact of the Father-Daughter Relationship on Suicidality among Latina Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Latina adolescents in the United States experience disproportionately high rates of suicidality. The quality of parental relationships remains an important protective factor for suicide, yet the role of the father-daughter relationship in suicidality remains underexplored. Guided by an ecodevelopmental framework, this systematic review synthesizes evidence on how the quality of this relationship influences suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review was conducted across four electronic databases and Google Scholar, targeting factors associated with suicidality among Latina adolescents. The research question was further refined during screening to focus on father-daughter relationships. Empirical peer-reviewed studies with U.S.-based Latina samples aged 11–25 reporting suicidality outcomes were included. Higher perceived paternal support, emotional closeness, lower intergenerational acculturation conflict with fathers, and active paternal responsiveness during crises were associated with reduced risk of suicidality. However, these protective effects were moderated by broader familial and cultural factors, including gendered expectations associated with familismo , and, in some cases, attenuated by general parental support. Fathers remain underrepresented in research about Latina suicidality, despite emerging evidence suggesting their potentially distinct contributions. The father-daughter relationship represents a critical yet nuanced factor in Latina adolescent suicidality. Findings advocate for father-inclusive, culturally responsive approaches in suicide prevention. Implications include greater paternal engagement in clinical practice, policy, and future research to address mental health disparities and promote resilience in Latine families.