Date of Conferral
12-20-2024
Degree
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
School
Psychology
Advisor
Tracy Marsh
Abstract
The American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community experiences disproportionally high rates of mental health disorders. Although research had examined the benefits of using traditional AI/AN health practices, little was known about how integrating traditional and Western treatment methods works. Using historical trauma theory and oppression theory, this qualitative study explored how AI/AN clinicians integrate traditional health practices into Western treatment methods when treating mental health disorders in AI/AN patients. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with five clinicians. Data analysis via deductive coding revealed two main themes: lived experiences of AI/AN clinicians and integration strategies. Cultural knowledge was the most prominent subtheme for lived experiences, along with other subthemes such as cultural identity, community, and training and teachings by elders. The most prominent subtheme under integration strategies was translation of Western concepts along with other subthemes such as cultural sharing, assessing cultural identity and knowledge, and acknowledgment of AI/AN culture and history. The findings indicated that clinicians draw on community-defined practices and deep cultural knowledge to guide their integration of traditional health practices. Findings may be used in the integration of cultural practices beyond superficial cultural competence and the inclusion of community elders to guide training and cultural practice preservations.
Recommended Citation
Blacksmith, Victoria, "Integrating Traditional and Western Healing Practices for American Indian Patients" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16868.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16868
