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New Zealand-born Samoan young people, suicidal behaviours and the positive impact of spirituality Tiatia, Jemaima To'oa

By: Material type: ArticleArticlePublication details: Honolulu University of Hawaii Press 2007ISBN:
  • 9780824832247
Subject(s): In: In Culbertson, P. & Agee, M. N. (2007) Penina uliuli: contemporary challenges in mental health for Pacific Peoples. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, pp. 94-104Summary: This essay explores Samoan youths' suicidal behaviour, taking a socio-cultural approach within a public health perspective. The author focuses on how spirituality may contribute to the improvement of health outcomes and overall wellbeing for Samoan young people with suicidal behaviour. The essay is based on the narratives of three New Zealand-born Samoan young people who have attempted suicide. The author finds that spiritual experiences continue to play a vital role in the lives of some Samoan young people brought up in New Zealand. The study concludes that it is important for health care professionals to address the spiritual concerns of Samoan young people in relation to their suicidal behaviours. Eliciting information about their spiritual lives could be a standard part of suicide prevention strategies, and it may be useful to include pastoral care in follow-up support for suicidal Samoan young people. It is recommended that mental health workers develop their knowledge of pastoral counselling services for liaison and referral of young Samoan clients.
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In Culbertson, P. & Agee, M. N. (2007) Penina uliuli: contemporary challenges in mental health for Pacific Peoples. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, pp. 94-104

This essay explores Samoan youths' suicidal behaviour, taking a socio-cultural approach within a public health perspective. The author focuses on how spirituality may contribute to the improvement of health outcomes and overall wellbeing for Samoan young people with suicidal behaviour. The essay is based on the narratives of three New Zealand-born Samoan young people who have attempted suicide. The author finds that spiritual experiences continue to play a vital role in the lives of some Samoan young people brought up in New Zealand. The study concludes that it is important for health care professionals to address the spiritual concerns of Samoan young people in relation to their suicidal behaviours. Eliciting information about their spiritual lives could be a standard part of suicide prevention strategies, and it may be useful to include pastoral care in follow-up support for suicidal Samoan young people. It is recommended that mental health workers develop their knowledge of pastoral counselling services for liaison and referral of young Samoan clients.

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