Inuit suicides in Greenland

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Anthropology

Background:

• The Inuit population in the Arctic region faces a disproportionately high rate of suicide.
• Understanding the socio-cultural drivers of this public health crisis is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the increased frequency of suicide among Inuit in the North.
• To compare these trends with an analysis of public suicide files in Greenland from 1977-1986.
• To analyze suicide material in relation to socialization and acculturation theories.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on Inuit suicide.
• Analysis of public suicide records from Greenland (1977-1986).
• Application of "psychological" autopsy methods on a small scale.
• Examination of data through the lens of socialization and acculturation.

Main Results:

• The study identifies a significant increase in suicide frequency within the Inuit population.
• Comparative analysis with Greenlandic data reveals patterns potentially linked to cultural changes.
• The "psychological" autopsy suggests underlying social and psychological stressors.

Conclusions:

• High suicide rates among Inuit are a complex issue influenced by social and cultural factors.
• Acculturation and socialization processes may play a role in the observed trends.
• Further research into the specific impacts of modernization and cultural shifts is warranted.