I.S. analyzes youth suicide prevention techniques in New Zealand

Major: sociology Mentor: Heather Fitz Gibbon, professor of sociology and anthropology I.S. title: “What are perfect places, anyway? Exploring the New Zealand government’s approach to youth suicide prevention” 

Using topics close to her heart to drive research, Olivia Proe’s Independent Study focused on government suicide prevention initiatives aimed at youth in New Zealand. New Zealand has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world, despite being ranked one of the happiest countries, so Proe set out to discover why that is and if the government does anything to address the issue. While studying abroad in New Zealand in 2019, the sociology major was able to fully immerse herself and live with the native Kiwi people, in which they shared and acknowledged the severity of the country’s suicide rate. Using skills that she learned in classes at Wooster, such as interviewing and conducting academic research, Proe discovered a disappointing lack of follow through in New Zealand’s government when it came to suicide prevention initiatives. “The New Zealand government’s rhetoric around suicide prevention is right, but following action is not enough. Where I had first seen my research going ended up illuminating a larger issue, which ultimately made the results feel more profound.” 

 To watch the videos that Proe made about her progress throughout her I.S. journey click here: Olivia Proe Episode One, Olivia Proe Episode Two, and Olivia Proe Episode Three.  

Originally published in the summer 2021 issue of Wooster magazine.

Posted in Independent Study on June 21, 2021.