Cultural Identity and Social and Emotional Wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children

Abstract

Connection with Country, community, and culture lies at the heart of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health and wellbeing. Although there is some evidence on the role of cultural identity on the mental health of Indigenous adults, this relationship is relatively unexplored in the context of Indigenous Australian children. Robust empirical evidence on the role of cultural identity for social and emotional wellbeing is necessary to design and develop effective interventions and approaches for improving the mental health outcomes for Indigenous Australian children. Drawing on data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC), we explore social and emotional wellbeing in Indigenous Australian children and assesses whether cultural identity protects against social-emotional problems in Indigenous children. The results show that Indigenous children with strong cultural identity and knowledge are less likely to experience social and emotional problems than their counterparts. Our work provides further evidence to support the change from a deficit narrative to a strengths-based discourse for improved health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australian children.

The Relationship between Head Injury and Behaviour Problems for Children in Aotearoa New Zealand: The Impact of Individual, Whānau and Societal Factors

“…Kirkinis et al (2018) elaborate on the various components that make up culture, including associated values, beliefs, behaviours, language, history, and ancestry. Notably, a child's connection to their culture is bolstered by healthy relationships with their peers, family, and community (Paterson er al., 2016), providing a profound sense of belonging and enhancing their resilience (Fatima et al, 2022). Recent research from Fatima et al (2022) underscores the importance of cultural identity and knowledge, highlighting that children with a strong sense of cultural identity and knowledge are less likely to experience emotional and social problems.…”

“…Notably, a child's connection to their culture is bolstered by healthy relationships with their peers, family, and community (Paterson er al., 2016), providing a profound sense of belonging and enhancing their resilience (Fatima et al, 2022). Recent research from Fatima et al (2022) underscores the importance of cultural identity and knowledge, highlighting that children with a strong sense of cultural identity and knowledge are less likely to experience emotional and social problems. This is particularly significant given that emotional and social problems can increase the likelihood of behaviour problems (Linden et al, 2019) and head injury or loss of consciousness (McCarron et al, 2020).…”