On and Off the Reservation: A Discussion of the Social, Physical, and Mental Health Indicators of Suicide in the Native American Community

This article reviews explanations for the heightened rates of suicide among the US Native American population. Particular attention is afforded to the social, historical, physical, and mental health stressors that may contribute to such high rates. A great deal of scientific research has centered on determining and analyzing the many socio-demographic indicators of suicide. Studies at the intersection of race/ethnicity and suicide have drawn attention to the fact that certain groups have higher suicide rates than others. At the pinnacle of groups most susceptible to suicide are Native Americans, followed closely by White non-Hispanics, and then all other racial/ethnic groups (Sederer 1994). As of 2008, Native Americans were more than twice as likely to commit suicide as Blacks, Hispanics, or Asian-Americans. The analysis begins with an exploration of potential explanations behind the alarming rates of suicide within the Native American community, followed by critiques of the various theories.