Observations on Suicidal Behavior Among American Indians
H. L. P. RESNIK M.D.1, and
LARRY H. DIZMANG M.D.2
1 Chief, Center for Studies of Suicide Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, 5454 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. 20015
2 Coordinator of Intramural Research, Center for Studies of Suicide Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, 5454 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. 20015
The authors discuss the sociocultural factors that have produced suicide rates on some Indian reservations that are significantly higher than the national average. Among the most important of these factors are the breakdown of traditional values and patterns of behavior resulting from enforced residence on reservations, geographical isolation, widespread unemployment, and a high incidence of alcoholism.
