Gone, J. P., Hartmann, W. E., & Sprague, M. G. (2017). Wellness interventions for indigenous communities in the United States: Exemplars for action research.

Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on the distinctive promise of community psychology to positively impact the health and wellbeing of Native American populations. Although community psychologists have tackled a wide range of research questions, we emphasize the efforts of action researchers to improve lives through the design, implementation, and evaluation of health and wellness interventions. First, we provide a more detailed introduction to indigenous communities in the United States, including attention to the health and wellness needs of these communities in relationship to the legacy of colonization. Next, we discuss the commitments of community psychology vis-à-vis indigenous peoples, and review three exemplary action research projects that illustrate how application of the principles and practices of community psychology can concretely improve Native American lives. Finally, we discuss implications for future action research with indigenous community partners on the basis of these exemplars. We hope to demonstrate the distinctive potential of community psychologists relative to other health interventionists for meeting the complex needs of contemporary Native American societies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)