Reconnecting with the warrior within: Australian Indigenous perspectives on the development of a social and emotional wellbeing program

Issue Addressed: Australian Indigenous youth are at high risk of developing mental health problems. Historical determinants and socioeconomic disadvantage continue to impact their social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and sense of identity. Previous literature suggests connecting to culture significantly impacts SEWB in Indigenous youth. Given the diversity of Indigenous culture, collaboration and consultation with specific cultural groups is required to develop appropriate and relevant psychological treatments for SEWB. The Warrior Within Program was developed to improve SEWB in Indigenous youth by assisting them to better understand their identity through participation in group-based cultural activities. This research aimed to understand Central Queensland Indigenous Development staff perspectives around (1) the process of developing the program and (2) how group-based cultural activities contributed to staff perceived improvements in SEWB of program participants. Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured individual interviews of 60-90 min were conducted with four Warrior Within Program staff of Central Queensland Indigenous Development. Transcripts were thematically analysed and the subthemes identified were categorised into main themes. Results: The process of developing the Warrior Within Program, cultural and Indigenous identity, reconnecting and knowledge emerged as the four main themes. Conclusions: This study makes a unique and important contribution to the Australian Indigenous literature regarding the role and nature of culture in group-based programs and the importance of collaborating with Indigenous groups to increase our understanding of their usefulness and efficacy. This study also helps to bridge the gap between Indigenous ways of knowing in program development and non-Indigenous methods of evaluation. So What? Acknowledging Australian Indigenous methods and ways of knowing are essential to the development and delivery of culturally appropriate group problems for addressing the psychological needs of this population. The methods used in this study could be used by others seeking to legitimise cultural ways of knowing.