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Wei A, Zhang YB, Robertson E, Steen J, Mushquash C, Wekerle C. Global Indigenous gender concepts, gender-based violence and resilience: A scoping review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 148:106185. [PMID: 37087390 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE The legacy of colonialism includes ongoing trauma and disruption of traditional teachings on relationality, which has contributed to Indigenous populations being disproportionately exposed to gender-based violence (GBV). GBV in Indigenous populations is explored to consider gender-specific findings and points of resilience in relational networks. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING Included articles sampled Indigenous groups in Canada, US, Mexico, Guatemala, and Israel. All participants self-identified as Indigenous, and were either GBV survivors or service providers working in GBV contexts. METHODS A scoping review was conducted in OVID Medline, Embase, APA Psycinfo, and Informit Indigenous Collection, using keywords for Indigenous peoples, gender concepts, and GBV. Articles were screened and extracted by two reviewers; a third reviewer resolved conflicts. RESULTS Our search yielded one mixed-method study and seven qualitative studies, all published since 2016. North American studies identified colonial, patriarchal disruptions (e.g. residential schools) to positive pre-contact gender norms (e.g. non-hierarchical roles) that contribute to emerging GBV. Studies conducted in Guatemala and Israel also described local patriarchal cultures contributing to GBV. Lack of understanding of the Two-Spirit identity (i.e. supra-binary gender identity used by Indigenous persons) led to harmful attitudes and stigma. Interpersonal support and return to traditional matriarchal practices were identified as key resilience processes. CONCLUSIONS There is limited literature on Indigenous gender concepts and GBV, particularly regarding GBV against males and Two-Spirit persons. Colonization-related violence and/or patriarchal gender norms were identified as precursors for GBV. Decolonization processes should be further explored to address GBV in Indigenous populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Wei
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Yang Bo Zhang
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Robertson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy Steen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Mushquash
- Department of Psychology and Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Wekerle
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, South Africa
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Huynh L, Anjum S, Lieu T, Horse ML, Martin-Hill D, Wekerle C. Examining the connection between water concerns, water anxiety, and resilience among Indigenous persons: A systematic scoping review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 148:106184. [PMID: 37055333 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Despite Canada's and the United States' acceptance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), achieving equitable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)-related services among Indigenous peoples remain at issue for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Water anxiety is a mental health burden threatening resilience, given cultural stewardship imperatives for water well-being. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS Peer-reviewed literature documenting water anxiety/insecurity was explored in relation to resilience among Indigenous communities in Canada and the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska). METHODS A systematic scoping review was conducted using three databases (Medline, Sociological Abstracts and PsycINFO) and key words pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, Canada, U.S., and water. Two reviewers screened and extracted each article. RESULTS The search yielded six quantitative studies. Large diversity among Indigenous communities resulted in different water concerns tied to geographical locales, industry, and the health of water bodies. Environmental concerns, poor access to safe drinking water, and negative effects of water insecurity (water costs, food scarcity) was associated with water anxiety. Indigenous ecological knowledge, cultural continuity, water advocacy, and participatory community interventions was associated with resilience. CONCLUSION There is limited research exploring water anxiety and resilience among Indigenous communities. Particularly among women, water related health risks, concern for future generations, and cultural gender role expectations for water stewardship, contribute to water anxiety. An important next step is to recognize water anxiety as a mental health burden, and advance Indigenous-led research to not only optimally redress water inequities, but also the broader scope of its impact to ongoing trauma among Indigenous peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey Huynh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Sidra Anjum
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Toney Lieu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Dawn Martin-Hill
- Department of Anthropology, Indigenous Studies Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Wekerle
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, South Africa
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Ellington L, Racine N, Mushquash C. Indigenous youth wellbeing: Risk and resilience. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 148:106580. [PMID: 38065788 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
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John-Henderson NA, White EJ, Crowder TL. Resilience and health in American Indians and Alaska Natives: A scoping review of the literature. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2241-2252. [PMID: 37345444 PMCID: PMC10739606 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
American Indians and Alaska Natives suffer from disproportionately high rates of chronic mental and physical health conditions. These health inequities are linked to colonization and its downstream consequences. Most of the American Indian and Alaska Native health inequities research uses a deficit framework, failing to acknowledge the resilience of American Indian and Alaska Native people despite challenging historical and current contexts. This scoping review is based on a conceptual model which acknowledges the context of colonization and its consequences (psychological and health risk factors). However, rather than focusing on health risk, we focus on protective factors across three identified domains (social, psychological, and cultural/spiritual), and summarize documented relationships between these resilience factors and health outcomes. Based on the scoping review of the literature, we note gaps in extant knowledge and recommend future directions. The findings summarized here can be used to inform and shape future interventions which aim to optimize health and well-being in American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha A John-Henderson
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Evan J White
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Tony L Crowder
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
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Maurer K, Kimyaci M, Konyk K, Wekerle C. Building resilience through daily smartphone app use: results of a pilot study of the JoyPop app with social work students. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1265120. [PMID: 38053917 PMCID: PMC10694474 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1265120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The JoyPop™ smartphone app is a digital intervention designed to enhance day-to-day resilience in youth, particularly those exposed to traumatogenic events [adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)]. Processes of adaptation that foster resilience in response to high stress include affect, cognitive, and behavioral regulation, and social interaction. Digital interventions have application for youth and those who provide them support, including social work trainees navigating the stressors of university studies concurrent with practice internships. Research on resilience-enhancing apps is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms by which change occurs and who is most likely to benefit from these interventions. Methods Social work student participants (N = 91) were invited to use the JoyPop app two times daily for 28 days. Baseline ACE exposure and change-over-time in affect regulation, stress responsivity, and social support were evaluated after 2 and 4 weeks of app use with t-tests and generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling. Results Participants identified predominantly as cisgender women of European descent, mean age 26 years (SD = 6.78), 70% undergraduates, and reported consistent daily app use (Mean days = 26.9, SD = 1.90). Self-reported baseline ACE exposure was high (30% ≥ 5+). We tested change-over-time with generalized estimating equation and saw improvement in affect regulation in the Abbreviated Dysregulation Inventory scale (β = -3.38, p = <.001), and subscales of behavioral (β = -1.63, p = <.001), affect (β = -3.24, p = <.001), and cognitive regulation (β = 1.50, p = .009). Perceived stress decreased with app use (β = -2.65, p = <.001) and even more so for participants with reported exposure to more than 4 ACEs (β = -3.786, p = .030). Conclusions The exploratory findings from our pilot study suggest that consistent use of the app may enhance multidimensional resilience amongst university students who self-report higher than average levels of baseline traumatogenic exposures. Our findings support an approach modeling resilience as a complex, dynamic, multicomponent process supported by resources within and between individuals. Further testing of the mechanisms of adaptation in response to high stress that enhance resilience and identification of the JoyPop™ app features that influence this change is needed to validate that daily app use could help youth with experiences of past and current high stress to better regulate their affect, reduce stress reactivity, and increase resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Maurer
- School of Social Work, Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mert Kimyaci
- School of Social Work, Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Katy Konyk
- School of Social Work, Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Au-Yeung A, Marfatia D, Beers K, General DA, McQueen KCD, Martin-Hill D, Wekerle C, Green TJ. Exploring the feasibility of a mental health application (JoyPop TM) for Indigenous youth. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1269347. [PMID: 37867769 PMCID: PMC10588183 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1269347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of the current study was to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a resilience-focused mobile application, JoyPop™, for use with Indigenous youth. Methods A Haudenosaunee community-based research advisory committee co-developed the research project, in accordance with OCAP™ principles. Adopting a mixed-method approach, five youths from an immersion school used the JoyPop™ app for four consecutive weeks, as well as completed pre-test questions and weekly usage surveys. Most participants also completed post-test questions and a semi-structured interview. Based on a semi-structured interview protocol, youth responded to questions, and the most common themes were categorized to capture the experience of using the app. Results All youth reported a positive impression, used the app daily, found it easy to navigate, and indicated that they would recommend it to a friend. All features were uniformly positively endorsed. There were features that youth used most often (Deep Breathing, "SquareMoves" game, and Art features) and moderately (Rate My Mood, Journaling, and SleepEase). The social connection feature, Circle of Trust, was least utilized, with youth reporting a preference for in-person problem-solving. The drop-down menu of crisis helplines was not used. Youth recommended more gaming options. In terms of cultural resonance, appreciation for the app's use of water sounds in the SleepEase feature was expressed, as was cultural consistency with the "Good Mind" perspective. Recommendations included additional nature sounds, Indigenous design elements, the inclusion of Native language words, and traditional stories. Discussion The JoyPop™ app was positively received by Six Nations youth, and ways to ensure its cultural appropriateness were identified. Moving forward, it is recommended that Indigenous designers create a new version with community design co-creation. Additional research with various groups of Indigenous youth is warranted as a pan-Indigenous approach is not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Au-Yeung
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daksha Marfatia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Kamryn Beers
- Department of Health, Aging and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Dawn Martin-Hill
- Department of Anthropology, Indigenous Studies Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Christine Wekerle
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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