The Zuni Life Skills Development Curriculum: A Collaborative Approach to Curriculum Development

Abstract

IThis article describes the development, implementation, and pilot evaluation of a skills-based suicide prevention curriculum for the Zuni Pueblo. The Zuni Life Skills Development curriculum takes a skills training approach to reduce the risk factors for suicide among Zuni adolescents. This article presents some background information about skills training and its applicability to Indian cultures and suicide prevention. The process by which curriculum development was initiated and maintained is described, with an emphasis on the collaborative efforts between the Zuni community and Stanford researchers and the challenges faced by each to develop a culturally sensitive, effective curriculum. Results of the process and outcome evaluation of a pilot test are described in detail as background for the reasoning behind modifications made in a revised curriculum and evaluation design that met the needs and concerns of the community, school, and researchers. An overview of additional efforts in the community to develop a more comprehensive approach for suicide prevention that moves beyond a curriculum-only intervention is presented. (Abstract Adapted from Source: American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research, 1994. Copyright © 1994 by the National Center for American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research) For more information on the American Indian Life Skills Development Curriculum, see VioPro 2942. Late Adolescence Early Adolescence Senior High School Student Native American Juvenile Native American Suicide School Based Suicide Prevention Juvenile Suicide Juvenile Development Youth Development Social Skills Development Prosocial Skills Curriculum Prevention Program Program Evaluation Program Effectiveness New Mexico 10-04