Indigenous ethnic identity, in-group warmth, and psychological wellbeing: A longitudinal study of Māori

Inside the kaleidoscope: unravelling the "feeling different" experience of bicultural bilinguals

This article explores the phenomenon of "feeling different" experienced by bicultural bilingual individuals when they switch between their two different languages. Available data suggests that this experience is genuine and holds substantive value, not merely anecdotal. While on one hand, such a feeling may stem from the fact that the two languages were acquired at different times in individuals' lives (with all that entails in terms of efficiency and empowerment in using the two languages), on the other hand, it seems to entail deeper differences linked to the differential activation of cultural values, behavioral patterns, and expectations when the two languages are used. Its manifestations seem to be influenced by a variety of factors beyond just language choice, including the context in which this choice is performed. Results of studies investigating the experience of feeling different also suggest that it can lead to a sense of exclusion, isolation or marginalization within one's own community. However, this experience more often yields positive outcomes, with individuals perceiving it as enriching and contributing positively to both their personal development and the broader societal fabric. Amid contemporary challenges related to immigration, the study of biculturalism and related psychological phenomena, such as the "feeling different" experience, becomes imperative, as it may provide insights into how individuals navigate the complexities linked to their cultural identities.

Disability and Suicidal Ideation among Indigenous Adults in Canada: Cultural Resources as Contingencies

OBJECTIVES

The present study asks: Is disability associated with suicidal ideation among Indigenous adults in Canada? And if so, do cultural resources-as measured by cultural identity affect, cultural group belonging, cultural engagement, and cultural exploration-modify this association?

METHODS

Data were from a nationally representative sample of First Nations peoples living off-reserve, Métis, and Inuit across Canada-the 2017 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (N = 16,125). A series of weighted logistic regression models were performed.

RESULTS

Indigenous adults with disabilities were significantly more likely than those without disabilities to report suicidal ideation, even after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and physical and mental health conditions. At the same time, people with multiple disabilities were at greater risk for suicidal ideation, with the largest association among those with five or more disabilities. Furthermore, the detrimental association between disability status and suicidal ideation attenuated among those who reported cultural group belonging. In a similar vein, the buffering role of cultural group belonging was also observed in the association between the number of disabilities and suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides compelling evidence that disability is a risk factor for suicidal ideation among Indigenous adults and that cultural group belonging plays a stress-buffering role in this relationship.

Food insecurity and its association with multiple health outcomes among Indigenous peoples in Canada: the buffering role of culture-based resources

OBJECTIVES

Despite growing interest in the health disparities associated with food insecurity, research focusing on Indigenous peoples has been limited, especially in studies using nationally representative samples. This study investigates the association between food insecurity and various health outcomes - self-rated general and mental health, chronic health conditions, suicidal ideation, and obesity - among Indigenous peoples in Canada. It also explores the potential moderating effects of culture-based resources, which include cultural identity affect, cultural group belonging, cultural engagement, and cultural exploration.

DESIGN

The study utilized data from the 2017 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, a nationally representative sample of First Nations individuals living off-reserve, Métis, and Inuit across Canada (N = 15,533). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Food insecurity was negatively associated with all examined health outcomes. Culture-based resources demonstrated a mixture of anticipated and unexpected effects on these relationships. Consistent with the stress process model, cultural group belonging mitigated the negative impact of food insecurity on all health outcomes. A similar pattern was observed for cultural engagement. However, contrary to expectations from the stress-buffering perspective, little evidence was found to support the moderating effects of cultural identity affect and cultural exploration.

CONCLUSION

The results underscore the detrimental effects of food insecurity on the health of Indigenous peoples in Canada and suggest that culture-based resources, particularly cultural group belonging, play a crucial role in mitigating health disparities.

Psycho-social correlates of wellbeing among South Africans: An exploration of the 2017 South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS)

Wellbeing is a public health variable as it is an index of societal development. According to the most recent World Happiness Reports, South Africa ranks low in the self-reported wellbeing of its citizens. This study set out to understand the contributory factors to wellbeing of South Africans. This study explored the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS) of 2017, a national survey of social attitudes in South Africa for variables that are related to the wellbeing of the citizens. Group identification, national identification, hopefulness for group's future, positive interracial contact, belief in sustaining memory of apartheid, attitude towards immigrants, frequency of group's discrimination experience, and life satisfaction were identified. Statistical analysis showed that these variables are significantly associated with wellbeing for the total sample. Also, analysis by population groups showed that these variables had differential significance for members of different groups. Life satisfaction emerged as the most important predictor of wellbeing for the total sample and Black Africans, Indian/Asians, and Colored groups. The findings of this study showed that different psycho-social factors are critical to the wellbeing of South Africans. It was suggested that the life experiences of the different population groups could influence how important a factor is in wellbeing and this should be considered in efforts to improve wellbeing of the citizens.