Examining the Effectiveness of Culturally Safe Mental Health Interventions on the Wellbeing of First Nations Youth: A Systematic Literature Review.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine culturally safe mental health interventions that are effective for improving the wellbeing of First Nations youth and to determine their effectiveness through accessibility and how they are delivered. Methods: Online search using PubMed database was used to identify evidence about the effectiveness of culturally safe mental health interventions for First Nations youth. A filter was applied to extract publications from the past 5 years. Other inclusion and exclusion criteria included the geographical location, language, age, cultural considerations, types of programs and their effectiveness. Results: The review screened 22 publications from across Australia. Following the inclusion/exclusion criteria process 4 articles were selected. Two of these were reviews with more than 40 studies assessed. The other 2 publications were mixed methods studies. Common themes included in the program or service delivery across the publications were: the use of culturally informed methodologies, evidence of cultural knowledge, co-design or participatory approaches and the representation of Aboriginal practitioners or project officers.

Conclusions: Mainstream psychological wellbeing methods, Rules, do’s and don’ts continue to operate using colonial ideologies when providing services to First Nations youth. Despite considerations given to the development of cultural frameworks by government organisations, there is inconsistency in the implementation of these frameworks into targeted programs for First Nations youth. Additionally, evidence shows that First Nations youth engage in support for their mental health when programs and services include participatory action, are accessible, incorporate the holistic concept of social and emotional wellbeing and are delivered and evaluated by Aboriginal practitioners and project officers. It is imperative that the ‘colonial lens’ is removed and culturally safe practices are embedded when developing and evaluating programs that target First Nations youth wellbeing. This combined with the empowerment and self-determination of First Nations Publics at all system levels will support the improvement of First Nations youth mental health outcomes.