Factors Affecting Aboriginal Mental Health

Question 1

What is Indigenous Psychology?

Answer 1

A movement that centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of being (ontology), knowing (epistemology), and doing (axiology), challenging Western dominance in psychological theory and practice.

Question 2

What is Indigenous Standpoint Theory (IST)?

Answer 2

A framework that critiques power structures in knowledge production and advocates for epistemological equivalence of Indigenous knowledge systems.

Question 3

What is a deficit-based narrative?

Answer 3

A focus on problems and disadvantages, often reinforcing stereotypes and disempowerment.

Question 4

What is a strength-based narrative?

Answer 4

A focus on resilience, cultural richness, and contributions of Indigenous communities, promoting pride and empowerment.

Question 5

What are key health challenges for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

Answer 5

• Lower life expectancy
• High rates of chronic illness (2/3 have 1; 1/6 >3)
• Elevated psychological distress
• Suicide rates more than twice that of non-Indigenous Australians

Question 6

What contributes to mental health challenges in Indigenous communities?

Answer 6

• Poverty
• Trauma and intergenerational trauma
• Dislocation
• Discrimination and racism
• Barriers to culturally safe care

Question 7

How does racism affect Indigenous mental health?

Answer 7

• Normalised through public discourse (e.g., referendum)
• Leads to mistrust in healthcare systems
• Impacts identity, self-esteem, and access to care
• Can be reported under AHPRA national law

Question 8

What is cultural safety in psychology?

Answer 8

Practising in a way that is respectful, informed, and non-racist, considering historical trauma and systemic inequities.

Question 9

What are examples of culturally safe tools and methods?

Answer 9

• Fully developed: Healing the Past, Nurturing the Future; Aboriginal Participatory Action Research (APAR)
• Partially validated: Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K5)
• Mainstream but safe: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with cultural adaptations
• Guidelines: Best Practice Guidelines for psychosocial assessment

Question 10

Why is approach as important as the tool in Indigenous psychology?

Answer 10

Even validated tools can be ineffective if delivered without cultural sensitivity, rapport, and respect.

Question 11

What can psychologists and researchers do to support Indigenous wellbeing?

Answer 11

• Acknowledge historical context
• Be culturally safe and non-judgmental
• Engage in active listening and rapport building
• Use collaborative goal setting
• Be transparent and flexible
• Seek supervision and mentorship
• Recognise collective healing and family importance