Abstract
Objective: This systematic literature review was conducted to better understand why there has been a significant increase in America Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth suicides in tribes across the United States today. The intent of this review is to understand key issues surrounding the increasing numbers of AI/AN youth with suicide ideation, plans, and attempt in order to be able to answer the following clinical question: Is there a valid and reliable culturally sensitive assessment tool designed to recognize at-risk AI/AN youth presenting for primary care? If not, what are key aspects to consider for developing an instrument that could better evaluate suicide risk in AI/AN youth?
Method: A rigorous literature search was conducted from November 4, 2020 to January 27, 2021. This review sought to develop a further understanding of key risk and protective factors for suicide risk in native youth, the characteristics of youth at risk, and suicide prevention efforts along with efforts to develop a culturally appropriate suicide risk assessment survey to potentially decrease the incidence of suicide in AI/AN youth.
Key findings: Barriers to mental health resources related to stigma, location, and AI/AN culture contribute to increased suicide risk. Factors and characteristics found to increase suicide risk include: altered family structure, substance use, violence, racism/discrimination, historical trauma, and suicide exposure. Features that buffer against suicide include: cultural practices and identity, and healthy relationships with family and community. Existing scales have been utilized to study ways to influence risk and protective factors that could prove beneficial to developing a culturally sensitive risk assessment instrument.
Advisor
Patricia Young
Date of Degree
2021
Language
english
Document Type
APP
Degree
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Department
School of Nursing
College
Allied Health and Nursing
Recommended Citation
Shaw, C. E. (2021). The critical need for a culturally sensitive suicide risk assessment instrument for American Indian and Alaska Native youth [Master’s alternative plan paper, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/1103/
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