RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Cultural Identity, Mental Health, and Suicide Prevention: What Can We Learn from Unangax Culture?
JF Arctic Anthropology
JO Arctic Anthropol
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 119
OP 141
DO 10.3368/aa.55.1.119
VO 55
IS 1
A1 Sean R. O’Rourke
A1 Nadine Kochuten
A1 Chantae Kochuten
A1 Katherine L. Reedy
YR 2018
UL http://aa.uwpress.org/content/55/1/119.abstract
AB Many Indigenous peoples in Alaska have high suicide rates. The Unangan/s, however, have a rate reported to be below those of other Alaska Natives. Using data derived from literature review, autoethnography, and correspondence with Unangan/s and clinicians who serve them, we explore the validity of Unangax suicide statistics and the relationship between this people’s unique multifaceted—yet integrated—identity and mental health. We propose their low suicide rate stems from having a clear perception of their integrated cultural identity and the ability to fulfill their culture’s standards of personhood through engagement in culturally congruent activities (specifically, commercial fishing and Russian Orthodoxy) and cultural revitalization. To aid in suicide prevention, we advocate for culturally relevant mental health services, programs that facilitate cultural-identity clarity, and culturally congruent economic development. Future research should ascertain local conceptions of personhood and suicide and empirically examine interactions of cultural-identity clarity, culturally congruent activities, and psychological well-being.