NCJ Number
227898
Journal
American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research Issue: 4 Dated: 1994 Pages: 1-295
Editor(s)
Spero M. Manson Ph.D.
Date Published
1994
Length
295 pages
Annotation
This monograph contains a set of papers offering a comprehensive review of relevant research knowledge of adolescent suicidal behavior among American Indians and Alaska Natives, the identification of gaps in the current knowledge base, and promising new areas for study, and outlines the recommendations and priorities that such research should follow.
Abstract
The present generation of Indian/Native youth lives within a duality of philosophies, those of non-Indian societies and Indian/Native societies. They are caught between two worlds, that of modern, sophisticated technology and the center-of-life philosophy of Indian/Native nations. This dilemma can create barriers and impede natural growth and learning processes as children attempt to cope with their uniqueness. Often the results are feelings and actions of helplessness and despair leading to suicidal behavior. Suicide among American Indians and Alaska Natives, particularly adolescents, has increased on many reservations from 200 percent to 300 percent. Nationally recognized experts working on a variety of projects that relate directly to the identification of risk factors for and prevention of suicide among adolescents in general and among Indian and Native communities convened in Colorado in October 1990. It was a unique opportunity to summarize the state of suicide research in the context of this special population. The ensuing set of papers in this monograph presents a review of relevant research of adolescent suicidal behavior among American Indians and Alaska Natives, and represents a major resource document for future research and policy formulation. Divided into five parts, part one contains two papers that are specific to the epidemiology of American Indian adolescent suicidal behavior. Part two comprises two papers specific to clinical and developmental features of Indian adolescent suicide. Part three presents three exemplary preventive intervention efforts currently available within communities that are addressing suicidal behavior and related risk factors among Indian adolescents. Part four contains two papers that are specific to two special institutional settings, boarding schools and detention environments thought to contribute to adolescent problem behaviors. Part five comprises two papers emphasizing State and Federal experiences and responses to Indian/Native adolescent suicide. Tables, figures, and references