The benefits of discussing suicide with Alaska native college students: Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews.

DeCou, Christopher R.; Skewes, Monica C.; López, Ellen D. S.; Skanis, Marie L

doi:10.1037/a0030566

Cited by 16 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…40 For many it may be the first opportunity to talk about their loss, 33 which is particularly relevant in cultures where people are expected to grieve silently and remain stoic. 41 No distress was reported by participants as a result of the interviews in the current study, which adds weight to the emerging body of evidence that suggests participation in research does not necessarily lead to distress, 19,29,33,39 and supports the challenge to members of IRBs and HRECs to review their guidelines and decision-making processes on the issues, risks, and benefits surrounding bereavement research. 42 Some participants in the current study specified that they would prefer to participate in an interview after some time had passed.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 52%

“…For a few participants, having the opportunity to talk was helpful, supporting findings that the bereaved often experience interview participation as positive. 20,21,33,39 Participants in a psychological autopsy interview in Central Northern Uganda expressed that the interview helped their personal growth, had a therapeutic effect, encouraged participant empowerment, and afforded a safe opportunity for expression. 40 For many it may be the first opportunity to talk about their loss, 33 which is particularly relevant in cultures where people are expected to grieve silently and remain stoic.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Conducting Research Interviews with Bereaved Family Carers: When Do We Ask?

Bentley

O’Connor

2015

Journal of Palliative Medicine

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 52%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Conducting Research Interviews with Bereaved Family Carers: When Do We Ask?

Bentley

O’Connor

2015

Journal of Palliative Medicine

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“…DeCou et al ( 37 ) conclude that discussing the issue of suicide can be an important aspect of suicide prevention for Alaska Native university students, who are survivors of suicide in their communities. They mention that their findings could also offer some assistance to help mitigate concerns raised by research ethics boards over asking questions about suicide during interview research, as they found that actually speaking about suicide had positive benefits for the person being interviewed ( 33 ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A scoping review of Indigenous suicide prevention in circumpolar regions

Redvers

Bjerregaard²,

Eriksen³

et al. 2015

International Journal of Circumpolar Health

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BackgroundSuicide is a serious public health challenge in circumpolar regions, especially among Indigenous youth. Indigenous communities, government agencies and health care providers are making concerted efforts to reduce the burden of suicide and strengthen protective factors for individuals, families and communities. The persistence of suicide has made it clear that more needs to be done.ObjectiveOur aim was to undertake a scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature on suicide prevention and interventions in Indigenous communities across the circumpolar north. Our objective was to determine the extent and types of interventions that have been reported during past decade. We want to use this knowledge to support community initiative and inform intervention development and evaluation.DesignWe conducted a scoping review of online databases to identify studies published between 2004 and 2014. We included articles that described interventions in differentiated circumpolar Indigenous populations and provided evaluation data. We retained grey literature publications for comparative reference.ResultsOur search identified 95 articles that focused on suicide in distinct circumpolar Indigenous populations; 19 articles discussed specific suicide-related interventions and 7 of these described program evaluation methods and results in detail. The majority of publications on specific interventions were found in North American countries. The majority of prevention or intervention documentation was found in supporting grey literature sources.ConclusionDespite widespread concern about suicide in the circumpolar world and active community efforts to promote resilience and mental well-being, we found few recorded programs or initiatives documented in the peer-reviewed literature, and even fewer focusing specifically on youth intervention. The interventions described in the studies we found had diverse program designs and content, and used varied evaluation methods and outcomes. The studies we included consistently reported that it was important to use community-based and culturally guided interventions and evaluations. This article summarizes the current climate of Indigenous circumpolar suicide research in the context of intervention and highlights how intervention-based outcomes have largely remained outside of peer-reviewed sources in this region of the world.

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“…Due to the far-reaching impact of suicide in rural Alaska and ethical concerns related to asking participants about their personal experiences related to suicide, the study included a safety plan to address participant distress and provided a list of crisis counselling resources to all participants. However, it is important to note that there were no adverse reactions among participants in the interview study; the safety plan was not needed, and participants reported their experiences to be meaningful and beneficial, despite being difficult (13). Students were offered $50 as compensation for their time and effort.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Traditional living and cultural ways as protective factors against suicide: perceptions of Alaska Native university students

DeCou

Skewes

López

2013

International Journal of Circumpolar Health

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IntroductionNative peoples living in Alaska have one of the highest rates of suicide in the world. This represents a significant health disparity for indigenous populations living in Alaska. This research was part of a larger study that explored qualitatively the perceptions of Alaska Native university students from rural communities regarding suicide. This analysis explored the resilience that arose from participants’ experiences of traditional ways, including subsistence activities. Previous research has indicated the importance of traditional ways in preventing suicide and strengthening communities.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 university students who had migrated to Fairbanks, Alaska, from rural Alaskan communities. An interview protocol was developed in collaboration with cultural and community advisors. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Participants were asked specific questions concerning the strengthening of traditional practices towards the prevention of suicide. Transcripts were analysed using the techniques of grounded theory.FindingsParticipants identified several resilience factors against suicide, including traditional practices and subsistence activities, meaningful community involvement and an active lifestyle. Traditional practices and subsistence activities were perceived to create the context for important relationships, promote healthy living to prevent suicide, contrast with current challenges and transmit important cultural values. Participants considered the strengthening of these traditional ways as important in suicide prevention efforts. However, subsistence and traditional practices were viewed as a diminishing aspect of daily living in rural Alaska.ConclusionsMany college students from rural Alaska have been affected by suicide but are strong enough to cope with such tragic events. Subsistence living and traditional practices were perceived as important social and cultural processes with meaningful lifelong benefits for participants. Future research should continue to explore the ways in which traditional practices can contribute towards suicide prevention, as well as the far-reaching benefits of subsistence living.

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The benefits of discussing suicide with Alaska native college students: Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews.

Cited by 16 publications

References 15 publications

Conducting Research Interviews with Bereaved Family Carers: When Do We Ask?

Conducting Research Interviews with Bereaved Family Carers: When Do We Ask?

A scoping review of Indigenous suicide prevention in circumpolar regions

Traditional living and cultural ways as protective factors against suicide: perceptions of Alaska Native university students

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