Cultural or Ethnic Groups at a Higher Risk of Suicide

During the period from 1979-1992, suicide rates for Native Americans (a category that includes American Indians and Alaska Natives) were about 1.5 times the national rates.

Suicide rates are higher than the national average for some groups of Asian Americans.  For example, the suicide rate among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the state of California is similar to that of the total population. However, in Hawaii the rate for Asian and Pacific Islanders jumps to 11.2 per 100,000 people, compared to 10.8 per 100,000 rates for all people residing there. Asian-American women have the highest suicide rate among women 65 or older.

You can increase your multicultural awareness by:

• Making every effort to increase your awareness of your own preconceptions and stereotypes of the cultures you may encounter.
• Finding a qualified translator if necessary.
• Asking for clarification if you are not clear what the person said.
• Not assuming that you understand any nonverbal communication unless you are familiar with the person’s culture.
• If the person’s nonverbal communication is insulting in your culture, do not take it personally.
• Recognizing that you cannot change a person’s cultural perspectives.
• Not judging people from another culture by your own cultural values until you have come to know the people and their cultural values.
• Recognizing that your lack of familiarity with a person’s culture might increase the stress within the intervention.
• Clarifying your role, knowledge, and experience with the parties so that you maintain the integrity demanded by your position as intervener.