Perspectives on childhood resilience among the Aboriginal community: an interview study |
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Authors: | Christian Young Allison Tong Janice Nixon Peter Fernando Deanna Kalucy Simone Sherriff Kathleen Clapham Jonathan C Craig Anna Williamson |
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Institution: | 1. Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales;2. Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales;3. The Sax Institute, New South Wales;4. Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales;5. Australian Health Services Research Institute, The University of Wollongong, New South Wales |
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Abstract: | Objective : To describe Aboriginal community members' perspectives on the outcomes and origins of resilience among Aboriginal children. Methods : Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 36 Aboriginal adults (15 health service professionals, 8 youth workers and 13 community members) at two urban and one regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in New South Wales. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically. Results : We identified six themes: withstanding risk (displaying normative development, possessing inner fortitude); adapting to adversity (necessary endurance, masking inner vulnerabilities); positive social influences (secure family environments, role modelling healthy behaviours and relationships); instilling cultural identity (investing in Aboriginal knowledge, building a strong cultural self‐concept); community safeguards (offering strategic sustainable services, holistic support, shared responsibility, providing enriching opportunities); and personal empowerment (awareness of positive pathways, developing self‐respect, fostering positive decision making). Conclusions : Community members believed that resilient Aboriginal children possessed knowledge and self‐belief that encouraged positive decision making despite challenging circumstances. A strong sense of cultural identity and safe, stable and supportive family environments were thought to promote resilient behaviours. Implications for public health : Many Aboriginal children continue to face significant adversity. More sustainable, Aboriginal‐led programs are needed to augment positive family dynamics, identify at‐risk children and provide safeguards during periods of familial adversity. |
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Keywords: | Indigenous resilience children qualitative |
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