According to the Center For Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, hereafter referred to as CFAY, American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) adolescents have the highest mortality rate caused by suicide than any other ethnic group within the United States (CFAY 2). Within the age group from 12 to 20, violence is the most leading cause of death, namely 75%, including suicide and homicide (CFAY 3). As stated by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) there has been a steep ascent of suicides among Native American tribes since the past ten years and therefore caused tribal chiefs as well as the federal government to take action against this crisis. Although there are many studies on suicidal behavior and suicide itself, only a few take into account several risk and protective factors, which are unique to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. There are reasons for Native American adolescents to commit suicide that are incomparable to other ethnic groups within the United States, which will be revealed in this paper.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Statistics on the Native American Youth Suicide Crisis
3. Risk and Protective Factor
3.1. Risk Factors
3.2. Protective Factors
4. Suicide Prevention Programs
4.1. American Indian Life Skills Development
4.2. CARE (Care, Assess, Respond, Empower)
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines the critical issue of the Native American Youth Suicide Crisis, exploring the specific underlying causes that distinguish this population's experience from other ethnic groups in the United States while evaluating effective intervention and prevention strategies.
- Statistical analysis of suicide rates among Native American youth compared to the general U.S. population.
- Identification of unique risk factors, including historical trauma and cultural displacement.
- Examination of protective factors, such as the restoration of cultural identity and community belonging.
- Evaluation of school-based and community-based suicide prevention programs like AILSD and CARE.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1. Risk Factors
One risk factor that distinguishes Native American teenagers from the general population of the U.S. is the so-called “historical trauma”. To provide a definition, historical traumas are […] ongoing reactions to cumulative historical events that have occurred over generations and may still be occurring (not of limited duration) and whose symptoms are expressed not only in anxiety but also depression, substance abuse, and other self-harming behaviors. (Encyclopedia of Multicultural Psychology 231)
This phenomenon results from different kinds of trauma experiences, for example dislocation or war (DHHS 11). Native Americans have a long history of forced removals, including the removal from their homeland to reservations and the removal of children to boarding schools, all initiated by the Federal government (DHHS 11). These boarding schools attempted to assimilate all Indians and eradicate Indian culture, language and religion. Like Ward Churchill said, they aimed at “[eliminating] all American Indian culturally recognizable as such by some point in the mid-twentieth century” (ibid. 12). According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), a historical trauma is being passed down from one generation to the next (ibid. 1). As a result it has ripple effects on their descendants although they have never been forced to go to a boarding school or underwent a violent colonization (SAMHSA 1). The parents and grandparents of today’s Native American teenagers are survivors of these traumatic events, which leave AI/AN youths experiencing signs of trauma (SAMHSA 1).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the severity of the crisis among Native American adolescents and introduces the paper's basis in existing prevention literature and institutional statistics.
2. Statistics on the Native American Youth Suicide Crisis: Provides empirical evidence showing that Native American youth face significantly higher suicide rates and mental health risks than their peers in the general U.S. population.
3. Risk and Protective Factor: Analyzes the interplay between negative influences like historical trauma, poverty, and substance abuse, against protective elements like community inclusion and cultural identity.
4. Suicide Prevention Programs: Details two specific intervention frameworks, the American Indian Life Skills Development (AILSD) and the CARE program, assessing their methodologies and efficacy.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings regarding the multifaceted nature of the crisis and emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive support systems.
Keywords
Native American youth, suicide crisis, historical trauma, mental health, substance abuse, cultural identity, suicide prevention, AILSD, CARE program, depression, indigenous tribes, adolescent health, intervention strategies, counseling, poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper addresses the high rates of suicide among American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents, investigating the unique socio-historical and cultural factors that contribute to this crisis.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The main themes include historical trauma, socioeconomic disparities, the impact of cultural loss, and the role of specialized suicide prevention programs in mitigating these risks.
What is the overarching goal of the study?
The goal is to identify why Native American youth are disproportionately affected by suicidal behavior and to evaluate how community and school-based programs can provide effective intervention.
What scientific or research methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes a literature review approach, synthesizing data from reputable sources such as the Center for Native American Youth, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and various psychological research studies.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers statistical analysis, the identification of risk factors like historical trauma and substance abuse, protective factors like cultural belonging, and a detailed look at two prevention programs.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include historical trauma, suicide prevention, American Indian adolescents, cultural identity, and the CARE intervention program.
How does "historical trauma" affect current generations according to the author?
The author explains that historical trauma acts as a recurring ripple effect, where the traumatic experiences of ancestors—such as forced removal to boarding schools—impact the mental health and identity of today’s youth.
What makes the CARE program unique compared to standard approaches?
The CARE program is unique because it utilizes a twofold approach, engaging both the student through specialized counseling and the family/guardians through P-CARE to ensure consistent, long-term support.
- Quote paper
- Lisa Schreinemacher (Author), 2015, The Native American Youth Suicide Crisis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1607539
