Ethnic Identity and Mental Health in American Indian Youth Examining Mediation Pathways Through Self-esteem, and Future Optimism

Summary

The article entitled “Identity and Mental Health in American Indian Youth: Examining Mediation Pathways Through Self-esteem, and Future Optimism” makes the case for nurturing cultural identity in all youth, but especially in American Indian youth as a way to combat depression and anxiety. The article points out that American Indian youth have higher rates of suicide attempts and ideation than any other ethnic or racial group.  It attempts to tie a youth’s ethnic identity to his or her self-esteem and future optimism, which in turn relates to symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Additionally the article points out several salient factors influencing American Indian youth. One, that the historical trauma endured by their ethnic group could be more likely to experience fear and anxiety regarding their own future. Two, American Indians are products of a collectivist culture, very different from the mainstream individualistic culture. This culture values, “group affiliation, duty, harmony, belonging and hierarchy…self-esteem is de-emphasized whereas group identification is highlighted.” Thus an American Indian youth’s self-esteem is more likely to be tied up in the success of their ethnic group.

This article relates an online assessment performed in North Carolina schools located in counties with a large population of American Indian youth belonging to the Lumbee tribe. It posits that programs which support the development of young Lumbees ethnic identity may help enhance their future optimism and self-esteem thus decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety and behavioral problems for Lumbee youth.

Reflection

This article points to a source of self-esteem that I would probably overlook, ethnic identity. My family’s points of origin and the cultures associated with them do not hold a place of significance or contribute to my understanding of my identity. However, when a classmate or friend shares with me their family’s history or ethnic identity I mourn the dearth of my own. This article illustrates a potential strength/area of growth that social workers can capitalize on. I would imagine that often a strong sense of ethnic identity comes with a feeling of belonging to a community and hopefully an impression of support and pride. Thus a consumer’s connection to their ethnic identity is often something to be fostered. Alternatively, there may be times when there are feelings of shame linked with origin or family history. Thus ethnic identity may not always be straight forward strength to be utilized.

In fact I have the honor of working with several members of the Lumbee tribe who now reside in Michigan. I had the opportunity to speak with them about the article and about their general impression of the Lumbee community residing in North Carolina. As the article suggested, these individuals related the prevalence of poverty, addiction and mental illness that many Lumbee face. In addition they related what they perceive as an underlying feeling of shame which they connect with what they related as, “the Lumbees eager Europeanization and loss of culture” when the first colonialists arrived.  That said they also express pride in their heritage and it plays a large role in their own identities. This illustrates the complexities of tying ethnic identities closely with the development of self-esteem.

Something else that struck me about this reading was the emphasis on collectivist culture and its influence on how it alters the development of an individual’s self-esteem. The idea that an individual’s self-esteem is based on the success of their people as a whole is something that feels very foreign. It is a great reminder that cultural competency paired with cultural humility is in order when working with consumers. The combination will help ensure that the clinician recognizes the consumer’s sources of motivation and what approaches will be most helpful.