Youth and Adult Community Member Beliefs About Inupiat Youth Suicide and its Prevention

A 5-item, open-ended survey focussing on community members’ perceptions of suicide causes, warning signs, & protective factors was administered in the 12 Native Alaskan villages served by the Maniilaq Association. A total of 382 surveys were completed. The results showed villagers believe a community-based approach is most beneficial. Many risk factors for suicide were associated with alienation. Prevention strategies were linked to increased communication & connection with others, their culture, & spirituality. The results also showed different perspectives are held by adults & youth. Adults indentified boredom as the primary reason for suicide while youth attribute suicide to stress. (32 refs.)