This
paper studies the statistically high rate of
suicide among American Indian
youth, focusing on the impact of
acculturation. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the suicide statistics and their distribution among particular tribes. Then the paper takes a critical look at the historical phenomenon of acculturation. Among the effects of acculturation examined are geographic isolation and confinement to the
reservation, which led to the disorganization of traditional family structures. The paper then explores how these impacted the negative
self-image of youth, and in particular male youth, which is a major contributor to suicide.
More summaries about the Suicide & the American Indian