Work

Indigenous Spirituality, Health, and Well-Being in the Young: Yarns With the Victorian Aboriginal Community

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The extant literature has scant detail about everyday spiritual practices that aid Indigenous young people. This paper systematically explores Indigenous Spirituality, health, and well-being through Elder-governed yarns conducted via Zoom with 44 Aboriginal Elders, Healers, and Senior and Junior people involved in health and well-being of the Victorian Aboriginal community. These yarns were analyzed through an innovative, constructivist, multi-perspectival discursive grounded theory method. Key findings are that Spirituality is crucial for health and well-being, leading to a clear mind and at-peace “center” in a person. Aboriginal spiritual practices reflect the unique characteristics and essential rhythms of Country . Spiritual development is incremental and increases the obligations and responsibilities a person has to community and Country and leads to increased caring for Country . This paper provides rich detail about practical spiritual techniques to aid Indigenous young people and their kinship networks. It has the potential to shape future policy.

Source: Qualitative Health Research

DOI: 10.1177/10497323241274706

Authors: Alasdair Vance, Janet McGaw, Jo Winther, Sandra Eades

Institutions: Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne

Language: English

Topic: Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,200