Assessing suicide and risk behaviors in an incarcerated American Indian population: Investigating culturally sensitive risk assessment instruments and procedures in a border jail

The overall objective of this research was to address and fill in the gaps in the existing research literature by evaluating a popular suicidal ideation assessment tool, one commonly used within detention centers around the country, for its cultural sensitivity and to modify and, where appropriate, to improve the state, local, and tribal correctional agencies’ ability to more effectively screen for suicide ideation among American Indian detainees. This endeavor involved exploring the connection between American Indian – Northern Plains culture and non-Indian inmates’ responses to suicide screening questions as they are asked within this setting.