Thesis
Okláqa Hayona (To Speak of Hope): a Meta-Synthesis Elevating Indigenous Voices Against Suicide
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000005245
Abstract
Rates of suicidality amongst Indigenous Peoples are staggering and linked to the historical and ongoing settler-colonialism including land seizures, spiritual oppression, cultural disconnection, forced enculturation, and societal alienation. Most behavioral health research and programs, including suicide prevention among Indigenous Peoples, are rooted in a Eurocentric worldview and positivist research paradigm, but calls to “decolonize” public health are growing. Consistent with decolonial practices, Indigenous voices and perspectives must be centered in the development and evaluation of suicide prevention programs for Indigenous Peoples of the United States (IPoUS). Qualitative and data storytelling research approaches further support the uprooting of settler-colonial perspectives and align with a social justice orientation. The current study is a meta-synthesis of qualitative research on suicide prevention among Indigenous populations in the United States. Findings conclude little evidence for the centering of participant voices in the work. Applied thematic analysis surfaced 4 primary themes: (1) support preferences; (2) challenges to suicide prevention; (3) integration of culture as prevention; and (4) grounding relationships in prevention. The need for culturally centered programming and the inadequacy of ‘pan-Indian’ approaches are highlighted. Sub-themes highlight resiliency, kinship connection, and safe spaces to share cultural knowledge also emerge. Similar protective and risk factors for service utilization are addressed across subpopulations are also discussed. Implications of this work will further the decolonization of suicide prevention and aid in the promotion of culturally grounded prevention science strategies. Preventative programs that aim to mitigate suicide risk within Indigenous communities will be strengthened by grounding in an Indigenous Ways of Knowing framework to understand resilience and healing.
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Details
- Title
- Okláqa Hayona (To Speak of Hope)
- Creators
- Meenakshi Richardson
- Contributors
- Sara F Waters (Advisor)Tanja Burkhard (Committee Member)Michael G McDonell (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Human Development, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 102
- Identifiers
- 99901019837501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis