Cultural identity and mental health: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing

Kilcullen, M., Swinbourne, A., and Cadet-James, Y. (2012) Cultural identity and mental health: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. Psychology & Health, 27 (s1). pp. 67-68.

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Abstract

Background: Identity has been argued to be a 'pre-requisite' for mental health. The aim of this study was to explore factors affecting mental health and cultural identity of urban Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in North Queensland, Australia.

Methods: A qualitative research design was conducted with a sample of 19 Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants. Data was collected via individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a grounded theory method.

Findings: Four themes emerged as reflecting health and wellbeing – coping skills, knowledge social support, and connectedness. The overarching theme of connectedness – to country, family and kinship, knowledge and social networks, emerged as reflecting a unique contribution to both mental health and cultural identity.

Discussion: This information has implications for cross-cultural clinical practice, through developing culturally safe health and wellbeing programs that sustain and nurture the cultural identity and mental health of Indigenous people.

Item ID: 24983
Item Type: Article (Abstract)
ISSN: 1476-8321
Date Deposited: 19 Feb 2013 01:01
FoR Codes: 20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2002 Cultural Studies > 200201 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies @ 40%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111701 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health @ 30%
17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology @ 30%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920301 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Determinants of Health @ 30%
92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920302 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Health Status and Outcomes @ 30%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920410 Mental Health @ 40%
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