Indigenous Peoples and Historical Trauma

Indigenous Peoples of the Americas

• Over 500 federally recognized tribes in the US and over 400 in Latin America exist
• Diverse population
• Experienced pervasive, intergenerational collective trauma, and compounding discrimination, racism, and oppression
• Insufficient data on emotional responses to this collective trauma
• High rates of emotional challenges, including depression, substance abuse, collective trauma exposure, interpersonal losses, and unresolved grief are seen
• Elevated rates of PTSD and depression, and suicide rates are seen in this population
• There is a need for culturally resonant interventions
• Many share historical and contemporary experiences, intertribal organizations, and often congruent worldviews and values

Historical Trauma

• Cumulative emotional and psychological wounding across generations
• Originates from massive group trauma
• Affects the lifespan of individuals
• This concept is a lens through which to examine lifespan trauma in the collective context
• May reduce stigma and isolation surrounding these issues
• Historical trauma response (HTR) has features like unresolved grief, compounded by interruption of Indigenous burial practices, and ceremonies
• Leads to emotional distress, particularly depression and anger

Historical Trauma Response

• The reaction to massive group trauma manifests in many features surrounding grief and loss
• Includes unresolved grief over massive losses, and disruption by the prohibition and interruption of Indigenous burial practices and ceremonies
• Depression and anger are strongly associated with the concept of historical trauma

Clinical Implications

• American Indians/Alaska Natives have a high prevalence of DSM-IV-TR disorders due to high chronic trauma exposure.
• Increased research is needed on the relationship between collective historical trauma exposure and the risk factors for PTSD, prolonged grief, substance abuse, and depression
• Interventions should account for diverse tribal cultures
• The concept of historical trauma has positive reception by various groups. Workshops and training requests have increased, websites on this topic have seen high traffic, and relevant conferences are occurring
• There is ongoing need for assessments and interventions tailored to the specific needs of different tribal communities

Measures to Inform Clinical and Community Practices

• Historical Loss Scale (HLS) and the Historical Loss and Associated Symptoms Scale (HLAS) were developed
• HLS assesses the frequency of thoughts of historically traumatic events and losses
• HLAS measures emotional reactions to these losses
• HLS and HLAS both highlight risk factors for psychological distress
• Research should address the prevalence of the historical trauma response (HTR) and the differences among tribal groups

The Indigenous Peoples of the Americas Survey (IPS)

• Instrument intended to inform tribal diversity in the experience of historical trauma
• To provide culturally relevant interventions
• Includes consolidation of existing measures (HLS, HLAS) and further assessments about tribal identity, trauma experiences, depressive symptoms, PTSD, and Indigenous identity
• Allows for better understanding of trauma across diverse tribal populations
• May reveal the prevalence of historical trauma response and related symptoms.

Improving Behavioral Health for Indigenous Peoples

• Cultural factors play a significant role in trauma response
• Interventions should be adapted to various tribal cultures, beliefs, and traditions.
• Collective losses, like boarding school experiences, should also be addressed at the family level
• Culturally appropriate methods are needed for interventions to be effective in both individual, family and community levels.

Explore the impact of historical trauma on Indigenous Peoples of the Americas in this quiz. Learn about the intergenerational effects of collective trauma, emotional challenges, and the need for culturally resonant interventions. Understand the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique experiences of over 500 federally recognized tribes.