Greenland continues to have one of the highest suicide rates in the world, particularly among young people, with marked regional variations. Research shows that suicide in Greenland is closely linked to social and geographic inequalities as well as historical and structural stressors. Both WHO and the national suicide prevention strategy in Greenland, Qamani (2023) highlight the need for community-based prevention and improved knowledge of protective factors. However, such knowledge remains insufficiently documented in Greenlandic research. There is limited understanding of how young people who have survived suicide attempts and are thriving today have regained hope, and which relational, cultural, and social mechanisms supported their recovery. This project addresses this knowledge gap and aims to contribute to the development of practical teaching materials, documentary movie with free access to citizens and recommendations that can strengthen suicide prevention efforts across Greenland.
Purpose
The aim of the project is to identify and understand the protective factors among Greenlandic youth who previously attempted suicide and who are thriving today. The focus is on how young people describe the transition from losing hope to developing resilience, and how relationships, community belonging, nature, and cultural practices have supported their well-being. The project also examines how emotional experiences were processed after the suicide attempt, including experiences with professional help and the significance of local community ties. The study will result in three scientific articles, teaching materials, and clear recommendations for suicide prevention targeted at youth, professionals, and authorities. In this way, the project contributes both new scientific knowledge and practical tools for strengthening national suicide prevention efforts.
Method
The project is conducted as a qualitative study based on 20–30 semi-structured interviews with young adults who previously engaged in suicidal behaviour. Interviews are carried out in Greenlandic to ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy. The analysis is conducted using an ethnographic, iterative analytical process in which data are continuously moved back and forth between empirical material and theory to identify key themes related to protective factors and coping processes. The project draws on community-based participatory research, involving participants throughout the process. Findings will be developed into three scientific articles, teaching materials, and a documentary film in Greenlandic with English subtitles for use across Greenland and internationally.
Project period
2024-2028
Collaboration and funding
University of Greenland, Government of Greenland
The North Atlantic Fund under Greenland’s Member of Parliament Aki-Matilde Høegh-Dam; the Danish Ministry of Finance
https://www.sermitsiaq.ag/samfund/vores-styrke-overrasker-mig/2067396
https://arctichub.gl/stories/arnarak-teaches-survivors-across-greenland-to-fight-suicide/