Healing experiences of BC First Nations women : moving beyond suicidal ideation and intention ...

• Main Author: Paproski, Donna Louise
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2009
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0054009; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0054009

This study explores how five BC First Nations women moved through suicidal ideation and intention in their youth, and what has enabled them to move beyond suicidal states. Unstructured interviews were conducted with five adult First Nations women who were self-identified as being suicidal in their youth. Phenomenological research methods (Giorgi, 1985; Moustakas, 1994) were used to guide the interview process, analysis and the interpretation of the transcribed interviews. Each interview was analyzed for themes and developed into a narrative, which was reviewed for accuracy by each participant. Twelve major themes were identified. These themes are the experience of suicidal ideation, intention, and/or attempts; the experience of an unsuccessful attempt; the experience of deciding not to attempt suicide; separation from circumstances and/or persons; the experience of connection to family, ancestry and culture; the experience of professional counselling; connection to spirituality; connection to elders and ...