Martin, J. (2013). Historical trauma among Native Americans: Implications for a narrative approach to healing (Doctoral dissertation, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology).

Abstract

Native Americans struggle with disproportionate rates of mental health and societal concerns, which numerous researchers conceptualize as an outcome of historical trauma. Many forms of Euro-American mental health treatment are ineffective in helping Native Americans heal from the effects of historical trauma. This ineffectiveness has been attributed to epistemological differences between Euro-American and Native American views of health and illness. This dissertation seeks to identify a culturally sensitive and competent healing approach to treat the effects of historical trauma through an exploration of relevant literature and six in-depth interviews with Native Americans. More specifically, an epistemological hybridism between traditional Native American storytelling and contemporary narrative therapy approaches is proposed. This dissertation uses a broad interpretive phenomenological methodology. Clinical implications among Native Americans are emphasized. Limitations and suggestions for future research are explored.