During the last three decades, a process of integration and increased ethnic revival has gradually replaced a history of forced assimilation and colonization by the Norwegian government. In the 1980s, the suicide rates were particularly high among the Sami. The suicides were assumed to reflect mental problems in Sami areas due to identity issues and cultural change. The estimated suicide rates for the period of 1981-1990 among the Sami were 42 per 100,000 persons.
Here is a list of risk factors associated with suicide attempts among the Sami and majority adolescents:
-Single parent families
-Emotional and behavioral problems
-Delinquent behavior
-Anxiety and depression
-Attending vocational studies
-Eating disorders
-Alcohol intoxication
-Involvement in romantic relationships.
-Lack of parental care and paternal overprotection
Reflection:The main finding in this study was that there were no ethnic differences in prevalence of suicide attempts between indigenous Sami adolescents and their majority peers. The findings of the study contrast sharply with other research, which generally indicate a higher prevalence of suicide attempts among indigenous adolescents than among their majority peers. During the last three decades, Sami in Norway have been in an ongoing cultural revitalization process. Today, the Sami have achieved cultural equality and are less socially disadvantaged when compared to other indigenous people in other parts of the world. The lack of ethnic differences in prevalence of suicide attempts may be explained by these cultural and socio economic circumstances. Moreover, this study indicates that the prevalence of suicide attempts among indigenous Sami adolescents is relatively low compared to other indigenous peers.
Bibliography:
Silviken, A. S. Kvernmo. “Suicide Attempts Among Indigenous Sami Adolescents and Majority Peers in Arctic Norway: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors.” Journal of Adolescence 30 (2007): 613-626.
