Understanding mental health and wellbeing among aboriginal postsecondary students

Abstract

First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth in Canada report higher rates of mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, addiction and suicide) issues than the non-Aboriginal population of youth, which impacts their ability to achieve their educational goals. Understanding mental health from an Aboriginal worldview and through culturally safe strategies designed to translate mental health information to Aboriginal people is lacking. The objectives of the present study were to develop, implement and evaluate a knowledge translation (KT) strategy to enhance wellbeing knowledge and self-efficacy in coping with mental health issues among Aboriginal postsecondary students using a community-based approach. The Tool Development Phase involved focus groups and interviews with Aboriginal post-secondary students (n=9) and community members (n=3) to develop a KT activity. The KT Phase involved a pre/post design where participants (n=4) were asked about their mental health knowledge and self-efficacy in improving their wellbeing prior to and after the KT activity. All students participated in an individual interview one month later about their knowledge and the helpfulness of activity. Key informants (n=4) were interviewed during a Follow-Up and Debriefing phase regarding the community-based approach. Mental health was defined wholistically, as related to community and as being impacted by identity, stigma, cultural connection, intergenerational trauma, and a clash between Aboriginal and positivist Western worldviews. KT preferences included incorporating traditional ceremonies; covering particular topics such as resources, traditional teachings and coping strategies; and incorporating active participation. The KT activity increased knowledge and self-efficacy related to mental health and some knowledge was retained and used at one-month follow-up. As well, participants appreciated the sense of community that the activity created and provided feedback regarding what could be changed (e.g., more active participation). Key informants thought the project addressed some community needs and that it was built on relationships. This study will contribute to increasing the wellbeing of Aboriginal students by expanding upon their mental health knowledge, and sense of self-efficacy in coping with their own mental health issues, with the aim of addressing mental health barriers to the completion of post-secondary education among Aboriginal students.

Exploring the Functionality of Mental Health Services in Northern Ontario and how it Compares to Indigenous Youth Understandings of Thriving and Wellness

“…A decolonizing framework is not only critical of colonialism, noting how it has and continues to negatively impact Indigenous Peoples; it also promotes and encourages other perspectives that are not grounded in colonial ways of thinking and being. Pertinent to decolonization is the concept of Indigenous self-determination (Davey, 2015). Selfdetermination refers to Indigenous autonomy and sovereignty over land, resources, and decisionmaking affecting their communities without the influence of external forces such as the Canadian government (Davey, 2015).…”

“…Pertinent to decolonization is the concept of Indigenous self-determination (Davey, 2015). Selfdetermination refers to Indigenous autonomy and sovereignty over land, resources, and decisionmaking affecting their communities without the influence of external forces such as the Canadian government (Davey, 2015). Ultimately, Burrage et al (2021) outline and expand on four elements that collectively characterize decolonization: highlighting the dynamics of and actors involved in settler colonialism, prioritizing Indigenous knowledges, experiences, and ways of being, the return of land and resources to Indigenous Peoples, and supporting the continued revitalization of cultural practices.…”

Exploring the Functionality of Mental Health Services in Northern Ontario and how it Compares to Indigenous Youth Understandings of Thriving and Wellness

“…A decolonizing framework is not only critical of colonialism, noting how it has and continues to negatively impact Indigenous Peoples; it also promotes and encourages other perspectives that are not grounded in colonial ways of thinking and being. Pertinent to decolonization is the concept of Indigenous self-determination (Davey, 2015). Selfdetermination refers to Indigenous autonomy and sovereignty over land, resources, and decisionmaking affecting their communities without the influence of external forces such as the Canadian government (Davey, 2015).…”

“…Pertinent to decolonization is the concept of Indigenous self-determination (Davey, 2015). Selfdetermination refers to Indigenous autonomy and sovereignty over land, resources, and decisionmaking affecting their communities without the influence of external forces such as the Canadian government (Davey, 2015). Ultimately, Burrage et al (2021) outline and expand on four elements that collectively characterize decolonization: highlighting the dynamics of and actors involved in settler colonialism, prioritizing Indigenous knowledges, experiences, and ways of being, the return of land and resources to Indigenous Peoples, and supporting the continued revitalization of cultural practices.…”

Exploring the Functionality of Mental Health Services in Northern Ontario and how it Compares to Indigenous Youth Understandings of Thriving and Wellness

“…A decolonizing framework is not only critical of colonialism, noting how it has and continues to negatively impact Indigenous Peoples; it also promotes and encourages other perspectives that are not grounded in colonial ways of thinking and being. Pertinent to decolonization is the concept of Indigenous self-determination (Davey, 2015). Selfdetermination refers to Indigenous autonomy and sovereignty over land, resources, and decisionmaking affecting their communities without the influence of external forces such as the Canadian government (Davey, 2015).…”

“…Pertinent to decolonization is the concept of Indigenous self-determination (Davey, 2015). Selfdetermination refers to Indigenous autonomy and sovereignty over land, resources, and decisionmaking affecting their communities without the influence of external forces such as the Canadian government (Davey, 2015). Ultimately, Burrage et al (2021) outline and expand on four elements that collectively characterize decolonization: highlighting the dynamics of and actors involved in settler colonialism, prioritizing Indigenous knowledges, experiences, and ways of being, the return of land and resources to Indigenous Peoples, and supporting the continued revitalization of cultural practices.…”

Exploring the Functionality of Mental Health Services in Northern Ontario and how it Compares to Indigenous Youth Understandings of Thriving and Wellness

“…A decolonizing framework is not only critical of colonialism, noting how it has and continues to negatively impact Indigenous Peoples; it also promotes and encourages other perspectives that are not grounded in colonial ways of thinking and being. Pertinent to decolonization is the concept of Indigenous self-determination (Davey, 2015). Selfdetermination refers to Indigenous autonomy and sovereignty over land, resources, and decisionmaking affecting their communities without the influence of external forces such as the Canadian government (Davey, 2015).…”

“…Pertinent to decolonization is the concept of Indigenous self-determination (Davey, 2015). Selfdetermination refers to Indigenous autonomy and sovereignty over land, resources, and decisionmaking affecting their communities without the influence of external forces such as the Canadian government (Davey, 2015). Ultimately, Burrage et al (2021) outline and expand on four elements that collectively characterize decolonization: highlighting the dynamics of and actors involved in settler colonialism, prioritizing Indigenous knowledges, experiences, and ways of being, the return of land and resources to Indigenous Peoples, and supporting the continued revitalization of cultural practices.…”