Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

In Canada, the rate of completed suicides among the Aboriginal population is two to three times higher than the non-Aboriginal population. While individuals experiencing suicide ideation and non-suicidal self-injury are at an increased risk for suicide, these behaviours can be targeted in order to mitigate suicide risk. It is well-recognized that there is a need to develop interventions that are culturally and contextually-appropriate for Aboriginal patients, especially in Northwestern Ontario where approximately 20% of the patient population is of Aboriginal descent. This project will develop and test an adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills-based intervention for Aboriginal patients presenting with suicide ideation and self-injury in Thunder Bay, the regional hub for health services in Northwestern Ontario. DBT combines standard cognitive-behavioural techniques with acceptance and mindfulness strategies. DBT was originally developed for patients with borderline personality disorder and emotional dysregulation who are chronically suicidal. However, DBT is also effective in treating patients with self-injury, oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and trichotillomania. We will use the four-stage method developed by Mushquash, Comeau, McLeod, & Stewart (2010). Stage 1 will involve consultation with Elders and community members to adapt DBT-skills interventions to an Aboriginal context. Stage 2 will involve a quantitative examination of the symptom constructs among Aboriginal people. Stage 3 will involve a qualitative examination of the circumstances likely to lead to emotional dysregulation, suicide ideation, and self-injury among this patient population. Finally, Stage 4 will include training and evaluation of the culturally- and contextually-tailored DBT skills-based intervention.