Explanatory factors of suicide from the indigenous perspective: a literature review

Abstract

Objective

Indigenous suicide in Brazil is an epidemiological, complex, and multifactorial phenomenon for which conclusive answers to risk factors remain elusive. Based on a literature review, the objective is to identify factors that contribute to the phenomenon of suicide from the perspective of Indigenous people.

Method

The PRISMA model was employed, and literature was sought in the Scientific Electronic Library Online, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, and the Periódicos Capes databases between August and November 2022, utilizing the Portuguese descriptors “indígena AND suicídio” (indigenous AND suicide), “índio AND suicídio” (indian AND suicide), and “indígena OR suicídio OR Brasil” (indigenous OR suicide OR Brazil).

Results

The search yielded 235 articles, and after applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, 14 were retained. These articles formed the basis for identifying several categories which indicate the explanatory factors of indigenous people’s suicide, the first three of which are shared with Western scientific explanations: loss of “good living”, especially among young people; alcohol consumption; abandonment of Indigenous traditions; symbolic universe and myths; witchcraft and harm; and collective suicide.

Conclusion

Our analysis critiques the exclusively Western perspective and psychological approach, emphasizing the need to embrace Indigenous perspectives on this phenomenon.

Keywords
Brazil; Indigenous; Risk factors; Suicide