Reference: 2012-006 - Cultural Continuity and Change: Indigenous Solutions to Mental Health Issues
Researchers: Professor Pat Dudgeon (School of Indigenous Studies, UWA)
Funding:
Project summary: The overall aim of this project is to develop Aboriginal understandings for improved social and emotional wellbeing in the Aboriginal communities of Broome and Perth. Concepts of cultural continuity (a strong sense and valuing of one’s identity) and social and emotional wellbeing will be compared and validated by the Aboriginal communities of Perth and Broome. This will inform programs, services and policy to better meet the mental health needs of Indigenous people. Specific aims are:
To undertake participatory action research with the Aboriginal communities of Perth and Broome to develop knowledge’s about mental health/social and emotional wellbeing from an Aboriginal perspective
To compare concepts of cultural continuity and social and emotional wellbeing to identify similarities and differences
To establish an Indigenous Reference Group of relevant Indigenous and non- Indigenous people from Perth and Broome to oversee the research project and to determine key concepts of the research
To build relationships and develop collaborations with key individuals and organisations providing mental health services to the Aboriginal community in Perth and Broome
To undertake interviews, focus groups and meetings with Aboriginal community members about understandings of social and emotion wellbeing and to identify how these translate in policy, services and programs
To highlight a gendered approach where two markers of cultural continuity: culture and women in governance is specifically considered
To provide an empirical evidence base of effective methods that Aboriginal people from urban, regional and remote areas use to manage psychological and emotional distress.
Progress: Ongoing