Change Pathways in Indigenous and Nonindigenous Youth Suicide

Multivariate dynamic relationships among suicide attempts, anxiety and/or depressive symptoms, hope, and help-seeking were examined across time in Native Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian adolescents, using data from a 5-year longitudinal cohort study (N = 7,317). The rate of suicide attempts decreased over time, but this reduction was significantly less among Native Hawaiian youth than their non-Hawaiian peers. There were also significant differences between groups in hope and help-seeking, with Native Hawaiian youth increasing help-seeking and decreasing hope to a greater degree. Youth-centered, cultural approaches to suicide prevention are essential in enhancing well-being in indigenous communities.