Understanding the Impact of Historical Trauma Due to Colonization on the Health and Well-Being of Indigenous Young Peoples: A Systematic Scoping Review

Introduction: Indigenous Peoples are experiencing the ongoing effects of colonization. This phenomenon, historical trauma (HT), helps to address the current ill-health disparity. Aim of this scoping review was to identify sources of evidence available to understand the impact of HT on Indigenous you...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Smallwood, Reakeeta, Woods, Cindy, Power, Tamara, Usher, Kim
Other Authors: The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Health & Medicine, University Department of Rural Health
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Sage Publications 2020
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1440762
Description
Summary:Introduction: Indigenous Peoples are experiencing the ongoing effects of colonization. This phenomenon, historical trauma (HT), helps to address the current ill-health disparity. Aim of this scoping review was to identify sources of evidence available to understand the impact of HT on Indigenous young peoples. Method: A scoping review was conducted on available evidence-based literature. Article quality was assessed using validated quality appraisal tools. Synthesis was conducted with predefined levels of impact. Results: Consistent with the literature, the themes and levels of impact were interrelated. Despite this, studies predominately reported a singular focus with limited discussion of protective factors. Discussion: HT continues to have a profound impact on Indigenous young peoples across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Protective factors for HT were evident within Indigenous research designs. Future research should ensure a multilevel focus to explore intergenerational strength and how this influences culturally congruent health care.