Indigenous Voices Against Suicide: A Meta-Synthesis Advancing Prevention Strategies

• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20227064
• Publication Date: 2023-11-15T05:47:48Z
• Authors: Meenakshi Richardson; Sara F. Waters
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Enculturation

Rates of suicidality amongst Indigenous Peoples are linked to historical and ongoing settler-colonialism including land seizures, spiritual oppression, cultural disconnection, forced enculturation, societal alienation. Consistent with decolonial practices, voices perspectives must be centered in the development evaluation suicide prevention programs for United States ensure efficacy. The current study is a meta-synthesis qualitative research on among populations States. Findings reveal little evidence centering participant within existing programs. Applied thematic analysis synthesis memos developed each article final sample surfaced four primary themes: (1) support preferences; (2) challenges prevention; (3) integration culture as (4) grounding relationships prevention. need culturally programming inadequacy ‘pan-Indian’ approaches highlighted. Sub-themes respect resiliency, kinship connection, safe spaces share knowledge also emerge. Implications this work further decolonization aid promotion grounded science strategies discussed.