Cultural identity and mental health: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing

Background: Identity has been argued to be a 'pre-requisite' for mental health. The aim of this study was to explore factors affecting mental health and cultural identity of urban Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in North Queensland, Australia. Methods: A qualitative research design was conducted with a sample of 19 Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants. Data was collected via individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a grounded theory method. Findings: Four themes emerged as reflecting health and wellbeing – coping skills, knowledge social support, and connectedness. The overarching theme of connectedness – to country, family and kinship, knowledge and social networks, emerged as reflecting a unique contribution to both mental health and cultural identity. Discussion: This information has implications for cross-cultural clinical practice, through developing culturally safe health and wellbeing programs that sustain and nurture the cultural identity and mental health of Indigenous people