Abstract:
This qualitative study seeks to illuminate a myriad of contributing factors, identified by Tongan parents and caregivers as possible causes of the suicide of their child. It was important to first examine the existing research and related literature about the suicides of young Tongans in New Zealand. But due to the dearth of research on Tongan suicide, a small, qualitative study was undertaken to seek the perspectives of parents and caregivers. Five participants (parents/caregivers) were invited to talanoa (tell their unique story) through reflections, sharing and storytelling guided by open-ended questions within semistructured interviews. The parents’/caregivers’ talanoa were transcribed and the transcripts were then thematically analysed. The results from the data indicate several themes of major risk factors of suicide for Tongan youths living in New Zealand. They include acculturation; family discord and stressful life events; socio-economic, psychological and spirtitual factors; parenting styles; shame and stigma; break-down in parent-child relationships and communications; and loss and grief. The results indicate relationship issues, loss and grief, stressful life events and parenting styles were major risk factors. Due to the various interconnected, complex and multilevel risk factors that act to increase the vulnerability of young people to suicide, it is vital to contextualise the findings of this study. A limitation of the study is the small number of participants interviewed. The results suggest that relationship issues (boyfriend/girlfriend problems) are a significant contributing factor. It is recommended that further in-depth research is vital in understanding the suicidal behaviours of young Tongans residing in New Zealand in order to pre-empt and enhance culturally relevant protective factors and support networks so that the increasing rates of suicidality for this age group (15-to 24-year-olds) are countered.