Risk Factors for Suicide Among Indian Adolescents at a Boarding School

• NCJ Number: 123011
• Journal: Journal of the U.S. Public Health Service Volume: 104 Issue: 6 Dated: (November-December 1989) Pages: 609-614
• Author(s): S M Manson; J Beals; R W Dick; C Duclos
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): RO1 MH 42473; 5 RO1 AA 07180
• Contract Number(s): 248-88-0028
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The suicide rates for American Indians, especially adolescents, are higher than those for the general population.

Abstract

This paper summarizes the literature on the prevalence of and the risk factors for suicide among American Indian groups. Data are presented concerning the risk of suicide for a sample of high school students attending an Indian boarding school. Of these students, approximately 23 percent had attempted suicide at some time in the past, and 33 percent reported suicidal ideation within the past month. Students who are at greatest risk for suicide include those who reported having either family or friends who had attempted suicide and those who reported on standardized psychological measures as having experienced greater depressive symptomatology, greater quantity and frequency of alcohol use, or little family support. Suicide prevention activities include emphasizing early identification of students' mental health problems and reduction of specific factors such as substance abuse. 5 tables, 41 references. (Author abstract modified)