Journal of Indigenous Research Copyright (c) 2013 Utah State University All rights reserved. http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir Recent documents in Journal of Indigenous Research en-us Fri, 03 May 2013 01:44:08 PDT 3600 Expectations and Preferences for Counseling and Psychotherapy in Native Americans http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol2/iss1/2 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol2/iss1/2 Wed, 01 May 2013 20:40:34 PDT We provide a broad overview of the research on expectations and preferences for counseling and psychotherapy with Native Americans and identify a critical lack of research in this area. We conclude that increased research could improve the effectiveness of counseling and psychotherapy for Native peoples. For example, understanding and engaging patients’ expectations and preferences would likely lead to increased retention and satisfaction. Finally, we suggest that a Native American clinical practice network might be one way to generate clinical and research knowledge in the area of expectations and preferences for psychotherapy and counseling.

]]> Mark Beitel et al. Mental Health Psychological – Clinical Indigenous Populations Using Community Based Participatory Action Research as Service-learning for Tribal College Students http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol2/iss1/1 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol2/iss1/1 Wed, 01 May 2013 20:20:32 PDT This work reports the methodological approach used in a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) project that incorporated Northern Plains tribal college students from four different communities as data gatherers and co-researchers in their communities. We report preliminary findings of perceptions of service learning among the participating tribal college students based on reflective interviews.

]]> kimberly J. Cowden et al. Education Reservation Indigenous Populations A Sweetgrass Method of Bullying Prevention for Native American Youth http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol3/iss1/1 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol3/iss1/1 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:05:22 PST A Sweetgrass Method of Bullying Prevention for Native American Youth

Abstract

The Sweetgrass Method of Bullying Prevention for Native Youth serves as an instrument and strategy to communicate, collaborate and continue healthy journeys for native people. Native

Americans have held sweetgrass as sacred for a very long time. Sweetgrass is used to cleanse the heart so that our hearts feel the truth, grow in harmony and balance, and feel compassion, gentleness and thoughtfulness for others. The Sweetgrass Method forms a culturally responsive method of delivery for bullying prevention by looking at the three braiding strands: introspective (looking within self), collaboration with families (reaching out to others), and continuity (providing continued support) as a means of developing partnerships. What we bring from this is an understanding that we as educators will braid the introspective (self) with collaborative and constant support efforts for students and their families (Baez, 2011).

Although the Sweetgrass Method is not an empirically based research approach, it is a method that addresses cultural partnerships with traditional practitioners as important stakeholders in addressing “traditionally” how Native youth should carry themselves in public.

]]> Mark Standing Eagle Baez et al. Mental Health Education Reservation Indigenous Populations Defining of a Peace Process within Indigenous Research, Indigenous Ethics and the Implications in Psychology. http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/8 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/8 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:35:16 PST An Indigenous Research process over sixteen years and during this time, a peace process emerged as a key element within Indigenous Research. The Indigenous Research included a school where and 100% of Native Students stayed in school (large urban school), work with mediators, and work with youth with special needs. The Indigenous Research was also during a time as Indigenous Ethics was being defined. When applied, it became clear that a working understanding of a peace process was needed. A peace process was defined that worked cross-culturally. This longitudinal work then was then placed within Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous Research, Indigenous Ethics, Indigenous Pedagogy, Indigenous Science and Indigenous Peace Processes. As a result of Indigenous Research methods, this paper was prepared to outline how the work of peace can be a foundation for defining work in Indigenous Psychology.

]]> Shaun L. Hains Ph.D. Mental Health Education Psychological – Clinical Urban Reservation Indigenous Populations Reward Differences Between Adolescents From A Native American Community And Adolescents From A Non-Native American Community http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/7 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/7 Mon, 22 Oct 2012 06:20:15 PDT @font-face { font-family: "ＭＳ 明朝"; }@font-face { font-family: "ＭＳ 明朝"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }.MsoChpDefault { font-family: Cambria; }div.WordSection1 { page: WordSection1; }

Differences in preferred rewards of male and female Native American and non-Native America adolescents were examined using the Native American version of the Survey of Rewards for Teens (SORT-NA). The SORT-NA is a self-report survey which examines preferences across eight domains: sports, food, entertainment, excursions, interests and hobbies, social activities, social related activities, and a miscellaneous category. Results indicated significant differences in reward preference across culture in two domains, and across gender in five domains.

]]> Psychological – Assessment Determined by the Community: CBPR in Alaska Native Communities Building Local Control and Self-Determination http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/6 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/6 Mon, 22 Oct 2012 06:10:18 PDT Objectives: Past research conducted with Alaska Native communities involved researchers entering the community to gather data then leaving with that data never being returned or presented or the researchers to be heard from again. The communities were not made aware of the findings, how the data was used, or where the information was published. This method of research resulted in significant mistrust of researchers by tribal communities. This article will briefly describe the context and history of research with Alaska Native people; provide an overview of the complex approval process for research through two case studies; highlight the relevant principles of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) when working with tribal communities; and our own experiences with the tribal approval process.

Methods: Using a case study format, the authors provide a guide to the complex approval process in working with tribal communities and the relevance of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). This is based on their experiences with the approval processes in a dissertation study and a community-based Elder Needs Assessment project.

Results and Conclusions: Drawing from their personal experiences and understanding of the tribal approval process, the authors discuss the benefits and challenges associated with conducting research with tribal communities in rural Alaska. They also provide recommendations for future researchers on how to work effectively with tribal communities, from entry into the community through dissemination and publication of information.

]]> Jordan P. Lewis et al. Indigenous Populations Reward Differences Between Adolescents From A Native American Community And Adolescents From A Non-Native American Community http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/5 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/5 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:10:18 PDT Differences in preferred rewards of male and female Native American and non-Native America adolescents were examined using the Native American version of the Survey of Rewards for Teens (SORT-NA). The SORT-NA is a self-report survey which examines preferences across eight domains: sports, food, entertainment, excursions, interests and hobbies, social activities, social related activities, and a miscellaneous category. Results indicated significant differences in reward preference across culture in two domains, and across gender in five domains.

]]> Mark Guthmiller et al. Education Indigenous Populations Recommendations for Counseling Native Americans: Results of a Survey http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/4 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/4 Fri, 25 May 2012 17:15:54 PDT Opinions of a sample of counselors and psychologists who work with Native American clients were examined by means of an internet survey. Most respondents recommended humanistic counseling approaches. Other recommendations concerned methods for building rapport with Native clients, reducing barriers to counseling, and incorporating Native practices and spirituality into counseling.

]]> Timothy Thomason Psychological – Clinical American Indian Hope: A Potential Protective Factor Against Suicidal Ideation http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/3 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/3 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:10:31 PDT American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) suicide is a major public health concern. Although suicide statistics continue to be high, there is relatively little research investigating the factors associated with AI/AN suicidal behavior. A new approach to studying suicidal behavior is through using positive psychology concepts, such as hope and optimism. To our knowledge, this is the first research study to investigate the relationship between hope, optimism, and suicidal ideation amongst American Indian (AI) college students. Results of regression analyses statistics showed that hope was a significant negative predictor of suicidal ideation, but optimism was not. The results suggest that AI college students with more hope had less symptoms of suicidal ideation. However, this was not true for optimism. This finding demonstrates that the positive psychology construct of hope is relevant to the study of suicidal ideation for AI college students. The findings of this preliminary study point to the importance of continued research on positive psychology constructs as protective factors against suicidal ideation for AI/AN. In turn, these protective factors can help inform the development of culturally appropriate suicide prevention and intervention programs for AI/AN communities.

]]> Victoria M. O'Keefe et al. Mental Health Psychological – Clinical Urban From Either/Or to Both/And: Between The Traditional and The Modern http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/2 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/2 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:11:49 PDT For native populations colonized and forcibly assimilated into the mainstream, the transformation is never complete because they remain trapped in perpetual liminality between the traditional and the modern. The resulting toll in human suffering and degradation has become commonplace, as attested by the high rates of alcoholism and violence on American Indian reservations. Yet Indians have still managed to survive, often by using their brand of humor as a weapon. Increasingly, younger generations of Native Americans are finding that it is possible to balance acculturation with cultural preservation. Navajos, in particular, have been credited with a unique ability to selectively blend the best of both worlds. In this article, I argue that adaptation has been less a matter of choice than a necessity born out of a lack of choices.

]]> Sam Pack Reservation Indigenous Populations A Preliminary Report on the Relationships Between Collective Self-Esteem, Historical Trauma, and Mental Health among Alaska Native Peoples http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/1 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/1 Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:41:12 PST Abstract

Alaska Native Peoples have experienced historical trauma and contemporary oppression, which may negatively affect their well-being. We present preliminary results from a project that investigated the relationships between historical trauma, cultural pride and connectedness, and mental health among Alaska Native Peoples, with the specific intention of exploring the potential benefits of cultural pride and connectedness in protecting and enhancing mental health. Using culturally-responsive and appropriate research protocol, the research team collected information from 66 Alaska Native participants. Preliminary findings suggest that individuals who have more thoughts about historical trauma and who experience more negative emotions related to historical trauma tend to experience more psychological distress and depression symptoms. However, cultural pride and connectedness was found to be related to fewer thoughts and negative feelings about historical trauma, as well as fewer experiences of psychological distress and depression symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of developing culturally-based and appropriate programs that enhance individuals’ pride toward, appreciation of, and connection to their cultural heritage – a concept known in psychology as collective self-esteem.

]]> Tina Marie Woods et al. Mental Health Psychological – Clinical Indigenous Populations Environmental Toxins and Depression in an American Indian Community http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss1/6 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss1/6 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:37:07 PST Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a public health problem affecting many minority communities. We examined relationships between PCBs and depression among 306 adults on the Akwesasne Reservation (68% females; 18-79 years) exposed to PCBs through industrial contamination. Blood was collected to measure total PCB levels, which also were categorized based on level of chlorination and dioxin-like structure. The Center for Epidemiology Studies of Depression (CES-D) scale scores increased as terciles of measured PCB blood level increased, though increases were not significant (p>0.05). While there are documented health effects of PCBs, these results, consistent with one previous study, demonstrate depression is not associated with PCB exposure. Further study of the mechanisms for successfully coping with such adverse circumstances is warranted.

]]> Gayle Skawennio Morse et al. Mental Health Environment Indigenous Populations Fighting a Different Battle: Challenges Facing American Indians in Higher Education http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss1/4 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss1/4 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:31:06 PST Educational access and attainment are among the most pressing issues facing Indian Country. Of particular challenge are those of post secondary education. American Indian students are retained and graduated from colleges at rates far below their non-Native peers. Making a successful adjustment to college is a formidable challenge for many people. It is particularly challenging for American Indian students. The authors provide recommendations for increasing the number of proportions of American Indian students who enter, and graduate from, college.

]]> Charles F. Harrington et al. Education Best Practices in Counseling Native Americans http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss1/3 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss1/3 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:24:32 PDT This paper describes the results of a survey which was conducted to study the opinions of psychological service providers who work with Native American clients. An original survey containing 30 items was administered to 68 participants via the internet. A summary of the most significant results is provided.

]]> Timothy Thomason Indigenous Populations Creating an Education Pipeline: Training American Indian Teachers http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss1/2 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss1/2 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:07:54 PST The findings from this case study (Exton, 2008) add to the research on effective teacher education programs. The researcher found six factors which contributed to developing teacher identity among secondary teachers who participated in an American Indian teacher education program. The first three factors (personal, home, and community beliefs) were: 1) giving back to American Indian communities, 2) serving American Indian students, and 3) becoming empowered as American Indian teachers. The next three factors (school-based experiences) were: 4) cohort-based peer support, 5) preparation for content area expertise, and 6) teachers as role models.

One of the most significant lessons from Exton’s research is about program continuity: there will be gaps in the pipeline of American Indian teachers as long as tribes are dependent on competitive government grants to support teacher education programs. The take-away message is that community partnerships between tribes, school districts, colleges and universities, and business leaders need to be maintained for long-term educational goals. Training American Indian teachers is an investment in the diversity of all communities.

]]> Virginia Norris Exton Education Environmental contamination of the Yupik people of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss1/1 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss1/1 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:35:56 PST Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals that originate primarily from industrial areas in temperate climates are ubiquitous in the Arctic. The people of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, have never directly benefited from the industries that made and profited from use of these chemicals. This striking example of environmental injustice is discussed.

]]> David O. Carpenter et al. Environment Indigenous Populations