1
|
Larsen JM, Kothe R, Helm PJ, Bullman M, John-Henderson NA. Childhood trauma exposure, age and self-compassion as predictors of later-life symptoms of depression and anxiety in American Indian adults. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 153:106860. [PMID: 38820955 PMCID: PMC11198734 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although previous research has established a relationship between childhood trauma and later-life anxiety and depression symptoms in American Indian samples, less is known about protective factors that may reduce the strength of this relationship. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to investigate in a sample of American Indian adults, whether age moderates the relationship between self-compassion and poor mental health associated with childhood trauma. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Seven hundred and twenty-nine self-identifying American Indian adults (age 18-95) residing in the United States completed an online survey. METHOD All participants were self-identifying American Indian adults recruited via Qualtrics, which utilized targeted recruiting through managed research panels. Participants self-reported age, gender, income, and completed measures of self-compassion, childhood trauma, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. RESULTS Lower self-compassion predicted higher levels of both anxiety symptoms (β = -2.69, R2change = 0.24, t(718) = -15.92, p < .001) and depression symptoms (β = -2.23, R2change = 0.26, t(718) = -16.30, p < .001). In line with our hypothesis, there was a significant three-way interaction between age, childhood trauma exposure and self-compassion in predicting later-life symptoms of anxiety (β = -0.68, t(712) = -3.57, p < .001, R2change = 0.01) and depression (β = -0.54, t(712) = -3.32, p = .001, R2change = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that for older American Indian adults, self-compassion may be a particularly promising protective factor for symptoms of depression for those who have experienced high levels of childhood trauma, and for symptoms of anxiety regardless of childhood trauma exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade Michael Larsen
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, United States of America
| | - Reece Kothe
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, United States of America
| | - Peter J Helm
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, United States of America
| | - Mikayla Bullman
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, United States of America
| | - Neha A John-Henderson
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, United States of America; Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
John-Henderson NA, Ginty AT. Profiles of historical loss and childhood trauma as predictors of mental and cardiometabolic health in American Indian adults. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 4:100252. [PMID: 38188870 PMCID: PMC10769154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic disease and mental health conditions are two major contributors to persistent inequities in health and life expectancy for American Indian adults. The atrocities associated with European colonization are linked to intergenerational psychological and emotional wounding (i.e., historical trauma) and high incidence of childhood trauma. Prior work has examined the independent relationships of childhood trauma and thoughts about historical loss with cardiometabolic and mental health in American Indians. In the current work, we used a data-driven approach to identify profiles of childhood trauma and frequency of thoughts about historical loss, and then examined how these profiles related to cardiometabolic and mental health in a sample of American Indian adults from across the United States (N = 727). We found that a profile characterized by high levels of childhood trauma and high frequency of thoughts about historical losses was associated with the greatest risk for mental health conditions. The profile characterized by the highest levels of childhood trauma and by moderate frequency of thoughts about historical losses was associated with the largest risk of cardiometabolic conditions. The findings represent an important first step towards understanding how childhood trauma and thoughts about historical loss may simultaneously inform enduring inequities in American Indian health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Annie T. Ginty
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
John-Henderson NA, White EJ, Crowder TL. Resilience and health in American Indians and Alaska Natives: A scoping review of the literature. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2241-2252. [PMID: 37345444 PMCID: PMC10739606 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
American Indians and Alaska Natives suffer from disproportionately high rates of chronic mental and physical health conditions. These health inequities are linked to colonization and its downstream consequences. Most of the American Indian and Alaska Native health inequities research uses a deficit framework, failing to acknowledge the resilience of American Indian and Alaska Native people despite challenging historical and current contexts. This scoping review is based on a conceptual model which acknowledges the context of colonization and its consequences (psychological and health risk factors). However, rather than focusing on health risk, we focus on protective factors across three identified domains (social, psychological, and cultural/spiritual), and summarize documented relationships between these resilience factors and health outcomes. Based on the scoping review of the literature, we note gaps in extant knowledge and recommend future directions. The findings summarized here can be used to inform and shape future interventions which aim to optimize health and well-being in American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha A John-Henderson
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Evan J White
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Tony L Crowder
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rogers-LaVanne MP, Bader AC, de Flamingh A, Saboowala S, Smythe C, Atchison B, Moulton N, Wilson A, Wildman DE, Boraas A, Uddin M, Worl R, Malhi RS. Association between gene methylation and experiences of historical trauma in Alaska Native peoples. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:182. [PMID: 37679827 PMCID: PMC10485934 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01967-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historical trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples of North America is correlated with health disparities and is hypothesized to be associated with DNA methylation. Massive group traumas such as genocide, loss of land and foodways, and forced conversion to Western lifeways may be embodied and affect individuals, families, communities, cultures, and health. This study approaches research with Alaska Native people using a community-engaged approach designed to create mutually-beneficial partnerships, including intentional relationship development, capacity building, and sample and data care. METHODS A total of 117 Alaska Native individuals from two regions of Alaska joined the research study. Participants completed surveys on cultural identification, historical trauma (historical loss scale and historical loss associated symptoms scale), and general wellbeing. Participants provided a blood sample which was used to assess DNA methylation with the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array. RESULTS We report an association between historical loss associated symptoms and DNA methylation at five CpG sites, evidencing the embodiment of historical trauma. We further report an association between cultural identification and general wellbeing, complementing evidence from oral narratives and additional studies that multiple aspects of cultural connection may buffer the effects of and/or aid in the healing process from historical trauma. CONCLUSION A community-engaged approach emphasizes balanced partnerships between communities and researchers. Here, this approach helps better understand embodiment of historical trauma in Alaska Native peoples. This analysis reveals links between the historical trauma response and DNA methylation. Indigenous communities have been stigmatized for public health issues instead caused by systemic inequalities, social disparities, and discrimination, and we argue that the social determinants of health model in Alaska Native peoples must include the vast impact of historical trauma and ongoing colonial violence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary P Rogers-LaVanne
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Alyssa C Bader
- Department of Anthropology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2T7, Canada
- Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | - Alida de Flamingh
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sana Saboowala
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Chuck Smythe
- Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | | | - Nathan Moulton
- Hoonah Indian Association Hoonah, Hoonah, AK, 99829, USA
| | | | - Derek E Wildman
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Alan Boraas
- Department of Anthropology, Kenai Peninsula College, Soldotna, AK, 99669, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Rosita Worl
- Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | - Ripan S Malhi
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
John-Henderson NA, Grant VM, Johnson LR, Lafromboise ME, Malatare M, Salois EM, Oosterhoff B. Historical loss: Implications for physical activity levels in American Indian adults. J Rural Health 2023; 39:367-373. [PMID: 35508763 PMCID: PMC9633579 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between daily thoughts about historical loss and daily levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in American Indian (AI) adults residing on the Blackfeet reservation in Browning, Montana. METHODS The study was designed and conducted using a community-based participatory research framework and ecological momentary assessment. Over a period of 1 week, 100 AI adults (mean age = 42.18, SD = 14.92) reported how often they thought about historical loss at the end of each day. During this week-long period, all participants wore a wrist-accelerometer to passively and objectively measure levels of physical activity. FINDINGS We found that Blackfeet AI adults who reported thinking about historical loss more frequently over the course of the week had lower average levels of MVPA over the course of the week compared to Blackfeet AI adults who reported thinking about historical loss less frequently (B = -10.22, 95% CI = -13.83, -6.60). We also found that on days when Blackfeet AI adults thought more about historical loss compared to their weekly average, they had fewer minutes of MVPA compared to their weekly average of minutes of MVPA (B = -0.87, 95% CI = -1.48, -0.27). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that thoughts about historical loss are linked to lower levels of MVPA. Given high incidence of chronic health conditions linked to physical inactivity in AIs, more work is needed to identify the mechanisms through which thoughts about historical loss may inhibit physical activity in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha A John-Henderson
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Vernon M Grant
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | | | | | | | - Emily M Salois
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Canada's Colonial Genocide of Indigenous Peoples: A Review of the Psychosocial and Neurobiological Processes Linking Trauma and Intergenerational Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116455. [PMID: 35682038 PMCID: PMC9179992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The policies and actions that were enacted to colonize Indigenous Peoples in Canada have been described as constituting cultural genocide. When one considers the long-term consequences from the perspective of the social and environmental determinants of health framework, the impacts of such policies on the physical and mental health of Indigenous Peoples go well beyond cultural loss. This paper addresses the impacts of key historical and current Canadian federal policies in relation to the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. Far from constituting a mere lesson in history, the connections between colonialist policies and actions on present-day outcomes are evaluated in terms of transgenerational and intergenerational transmission processes, including psychosocial, developmental, environmental, and neurobiological mechanisms and trauma responses. In addition, while colonialist policies have created adverse living conditions for Indigenous Peoples, resilience and the perseverance of many aspects of culture may be maintained through intergenerational processes.
Collapse
|