Breaking the Cycle of Trauma – Koori Parenting, What Works for Us

Abstract

Objective: To develop an understanding of parenting strategies used by Aboriginal Australian parents impacted by colonisation and other forms of adversity to break cycles of trauma within families. Design: “Yarning circles” involving qualitative interviews with six Aboriginal parents were conducted. Parents who identified as having experienced childhood histories of trauma and historical loss were asked about parenting strategies that helped them to break cycles of intergenerational trauma. Interviews were transcribed and independently coded by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal psychologists who worked for an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. Results: Parents identified over 100 strategies associated with parenting and breaking cycles of trauma. Some strategies aligned well with research on the protective effects of safe, stable, nurturing relationships. Other strategies focused upon domains of culture, community, and history, and addressed issues such as family violence, colonisation, and the intergenerational links between trauma and parenting. The strategies were collated into a community resource that could be used by other Aboriginal parents. Conclusion: Parental histories of colonisation and interpersonal and intergenerational trauma can have a significant impact on kinship networks and community environments that Aboriginal parenting practices are embedded within. Parents who identified with having managed to break cycles of trauma reported using a wide range of successful parenting strategies. These strategies serve a diversity of functions, such as parenting approaches that aim to directly influence children’s behaviour and foster wellbeing, manage family and community conflict, and manage parental histories of trauma and trauma responses in ways that mitigate the impact on their children.

Aspects of Wellbeing for Indigenous Youth in CANZUS Countries: A Systematic Review

“…There were 29 studies that reported on the wellbeing of Indigenous youth in Australia [ 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 ]. Our thematic analysis identified seven overarching components of wellbeing for this population: basic needs; relationships; culture; aspirations for the future; identity; recreational activities and interests; and physical and mental health.…”

“…The provision of basic material needs and services is seen as an essential foundation upon which positive wellbeing can be realised for Indigenous youth in Australia [ 96 , 98 ]. Safe and stable housing is viewed as a key protective element against potential negative influences such as food insecurity, unsafe environments, transience, and exposure to communicable disease and the child welfare system [ 82 , 83 , 89 , 98 , 103 , 106 , 108 ]. Accommodation security can be undermined by unaffordable housing, discrimination when entering the rental market, and overcrowding, affecting Indigenous youths’ experience of safe housing [ 83 , 96 , 101 ].…”

“…Fresh and healthy food availability positively contributes to health and wellbeing for Indigenous youth in maintaining health [ 87 , 104 ]. Parents often strive to provide this as a key element of wellbeing for their children [ 89 , 98 , 103 ], which can be challenging due to housing instability, financial strain and the high price of food in remote communities [ 83 , 96 , 103 ]. Hunting, fishing and sharing food among the community is seen to enhance the wellbeing of all Indigenous people, including youth, in terms of food security, and cultural and community connections [ 106 ].…”

“…The influence of colonial structures, such as child welfare, can disrupt this supportive environment [ 103 ]. Families are sometimes seen as strict [ 105 ], and some parents express difficulties navigating the balance between overprotectiveness and freedom [ 89 ], which may result in limits on youths’ self-determination. Parents identify that working through their own personal trauma and integrating their experiences and learnings into their parenting style is important to give their children the best chance to experience positive wellbeing [ 88 , 89 , 98 , 108 ].…”

“…Popular communication modes for youth, such as mobile phones and social media, are seen as positive for maintaining connections despite physical separation, however, they can also discourage genuine interpersonal connection [ 88 , 89 , 101 , 106 ]. The impacts of continuing colonial influences and racism in the lives of Indigenous communities across Australia, seen in the incursions of conflict, violence and the use of illicit substances, can negatively impact all relationship types and, subsequently, can incur on youth wellbeing through detracting from their experience of positive relationships [ 86 , 91 , 99 , 104 , 105 , 106 ].…”