Abstract

A large body of research has examined the intergenerational consequences of historically traumatic events with populations whose ancestors have collectively faced significant experiences of loss and trauma due to colonization, genocide, and other forms of oppression and marginalization. This type of research is especially prevalent among indigenous populations and historical trauma has been used to theoretically explain some groups overrepresentation in negative societal and health indices. Yet there has been virtually no empirical study of the effects of historical trauma using a Polynesian sample. The aim of this dissertation was to examine the association historically traumatic losses may have with the mental health status of Polynesians. This dissertation also explored how ethnic immersion may moderate or buffer the association between historical losses and Polynesian mental health status. In this study structural equation modeling was used to examine how historical traumas and ethnic immersion associate with Polynesians' mental health. Results of the analysis found that reminders of historical losses were predictive of emotional distress and poorer mental health outcomes, while ethnic immersion was found to be predictive of more positive mental health status. In this study's analysis no moderating effects were identified. The clinical implications from the findings of this study are discussed to help clinicians identify strategies that may help Polynesians heal from the residual effects of historical trauma.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2022-06-17

Document Type

Dissertation

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd12813

Keywords

historical trauma, Polynesians, mental health, ethnic immersion

Language

english

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