HHS103 Aboriginal Mental Health and Wellbeing 1 (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health (NRMIH)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
The Ways Forward Report (1995) describes Aboriginal concept of health as holistic; encompassing mental health and physical, cultural and spiritual health. This holistic concept does not merely refer to the "whole body" but in fact is steeped in the harmonised inter-relations that constitute cultural wellbeing. These inter-relating factors can be categorised largely as spiritual, environmental, ideological, political, social, economic, mental and physical. This subject, therefore, generates an understanding that when the harmony of these inter-relations is disrupted, Aboriginal ill health will persist. This subject examines Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' culture and belief systems, and the effects of colonisation and social upheaval, on their mental health status. Traditional methods of healing are also examined.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2013.Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: HHS103
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) course, and Indigenous students enrolled in welfare and allied health programs
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to describe Aboriginal belief systems, and understand traditional Aboriginal societies and law;
- be able to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of health and holistic health as the harmonised inter-relationships constituting cultural wellbeing;
- be able to discuss social, emotional, psychological and spiritual effects on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's lives since colonisation;
- be able to understand psychological and emotional effects of grief and loss including issues for the stolen generations;
- be able to examine traditional methods of healing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
- be able to identify barriers to service utilisation and explore ways of overcoming these barriers;
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Aboriginal political movement, and the role of organisations in this movement.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
Aboriginal belief systems, traditional Aboriginal societies and law (lore) systems. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of health and holistic health as the harmonised inter-relationships constituting cultural wellbeing. Social, emotional, psychological and spiritual effects on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's lives since colonisation Psychological and emotional effects of grief and loss including the stolen generations Traditional methods of healing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Overcoming barriers to improve service utilisation. Aboriginal political movement and organisations involved.
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school.
The residential school is compulsory as it forms a significant component of the teaching strategy in this subject. Additional learning resources are provided at these schools that build on the materials provided in the study guides (e.g. guest lecturers, videos, and learning activities). It is considered essential that students undertake these activities for them to be able to successfully meet the learning objectives of this subject.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.