Community Perspectives on Social Influences on Suicide Within a Native American Reservation

Authors

Mary Cwik, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
S Benjamin Doty, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Alexandra Hinton, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA.
Novalene Goklish, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Jerreed Ivanich, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Kyle Hill, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Angelita Lee, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Lauren Tingey, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Mariddie Craig, White Mountain Apache Tribal Court, Whiteriver, AZ, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2022

Journal Title

Qualitative health research

MeSH Headings

Adolescent; Female; Humans; Indians, North American; Male; Suicide; Violence; American Indian or Alaska Native

Abstract

Relative to the general population, Native Americans (NA) bear a disproportionate burden of suicide-related mortality rates. NA males and females aged 15 to 24 years experience suicide rates nearly 3 times than the U.S. all races rates in this age group. Although efforts have been made to understand and reduce suicide in tribal communities, a large portion has focused on individual characteristics with less attention given to social factors that may also inform suicide. This article aims to build on a local conceptual model of NA youth suicide by examining additional potential social factors through qualitative interviews. Findings from the thematic analysis resulted in the identification of seven perceived social influences: contagion, violence and abuse, discrimination and bullying, negative expectations, spirituality, social support, and cultural strengths. Public health approaches to reduce suicide should consider local social factors that resonate with tribal communities to build resilience.

ISSN

1049-7323

First Page

16

Last Page

30

Recommended Citation

Cwik M, Doty SB, Hinton A, et al. Community Perspectives on Social Influences on Suicide Within a Native American Reservation. Qual Health Res. 2022;32(1):16-30. doi:10.1177/10497323211045646