From Ambivalence to Revitalization: Negotiating Cardiovascular Health Behaviors Related to Environmental and Historical Trauma in a Northwest American Indian Community

Am Indian Alsk Native Ment Health Res. 2018;25(2):103-128. doi: 10.5820/aian.2502.2018.103.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Utilizing narratives from members of a Pacific Northwest tribe, this paper explores perceptions about behaviors affecting cardiovascular health through tribal members' lived experiences related to place-based environmental historical trauma. Findings from narrative analysis indicate that ambivalence is an effect of historical trauma and complicates the adoption of protective cardiovascular health behaviors. Tribal narratives indicate a path to overcome this ambivalence stemming from historical environmental trauma through revitalization, adaptation, and re-integration of traditional cultural practices to contemporary contexts. By creating their own health promotion response, one that is not imposed or colonizing, tribal members are re-generating cultural practices and health behaviors associated with lowered risks of cardiovascular disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / ethnology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American / ethnology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Negotiating
  • Northwestern United States / ethnology
  • Psychological Trauma / ethnology*