Dissertation

The collective voice of suicide survivors: A phenomenological inquiry

Knapp, Lynette K

2014

Overview

Suicide death rates in the state of Alaska are second in the nation. Consequentially, suicide leaves behind a survivor population at increased risk for contagion. In many Alaskan villages and cities, suicide contagion remains a public health concern and tragically impacts students, families, employers, and communities throughout the state. This action research study focused on the uniquely lived experiences of Alaskans as suicide survivors and the effects in the workplace. The purpose of this action research study was to inquire about a real-life problem for an identified population utilizing methods of phenomenological inquiry. The overarching goal of this action research project was to identify the collective voices of suicide survivors and integrate new knowledge into postvention strategies. Action research participants were referred and recruited from Southwest Alaska. Phenomenological inquiry methods were used to capture the uniquely lived experiences of suicide survivors thorough idiographic interviews. Interview data from research participant interview transcripts retrieved from audio recordings were analyzed utilizing qualitative software. Coding paradigms, themes, and sub themes were annotated reflecting culture, kinship, life story, and voice. Action research outcomes included recommendations for suicide postvention strategies. These recommendations included the rights of survivors to be recognized based upon kinship, permission to tell their story, and the need to establish multiple doors of access for survivors to become engaged in postvention to avert an increase contagion risk and prolonged grief reaction. As the research facilitator, these recommendations were presented to community stakeholders with the research participants as co-presenters.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subject: Native American studies / Public health / Social work
• ISBN: 9781303868115, 1303868113