title: Spirituality and aboriginal mental health: an examination of the relationship between Aboriginal spirituality and mental health.
abstract: Previous research on Aboriginal [Native American] spirituality has demonstrated that some of its dimensions have significant, positive effects on health and healing. This review will explore and highlight some important spiritual domains and characteristics of Aboriginal life that are significant factors in both the prevention of and recovery from various mental health issues afflicting the Canadian Aboriginal population today. Findings from current research in this area is explored and presented as grounds for supporting the current objectives. As demonstrated, Aboriginal perspectives on health and healing are broader than those of biomedicine, encompassing emotional and spiritual aspects as well as the mental and physical. Mental health practitioners should, therefore, include spiritual dimensions while working with Aboriginal patients, not only to respect the patients' worldview but also for the demonstrated positive effects on healing.
authors.affiliation: Culture and Human Development Program, University of Saskatchewan.
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Hatala
mesh_terms: D006303:Health Services, Indigenous; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology*; D008603:Mental Health; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D026443:Spiritual Therapies; D029181:Spirituality