Chapter 10B

Question 1

what is meant by cultural determinants

Answer 1

determine the capacity that people have to connect with and practise their own culture (e.g food, dance, song, ceremony, beliefs)
There are protective factors that support good health and wellbeing, including mental wellbeing

Question 2

what is meant by having a strong sense of culture

Answer 2

To have a strong
sense of culture means to have connections to the land, community, family, and spirituality, as well as
having access to and the ability to engage in storytelling, language, and art.

Question 3

two important cultural determinants

Answer 3

• cultural continuity
• self determination

Question 4

cultural continuity

Answer 4

Cultural continuity refers to the ability to preserve the historical traditions of a culture and carry them forward
both in the present day and into the future. By ensuring cultural continuity within Australia, First Nations
people are more likely to foster a strong cultural identity which will enhance their SEWB.
The effects of colonisation, including the Stolen Generation, disrupted cultural continuity for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people. Through stripping land rights, replacing traditional laws and systems
of governance, and taking away the human rights and independence of First Nations people, the cultural
continuity of countless communities has been threatened.
Currently, various government programs and not-for-profit groups are seeking to restore cultural continuity.
but much still needs to be done.

Question 5

example’s of strategies to improve cultural continuity include:

Answer 5

• Reclaiming history with therapy and support groups
• Welcome to Country ceremonies
• Playing traditional instruments in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal settings
• Promoting education regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Creation, maintenance, and protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural spaces

Question 6

self determination and forms of healing

Answer 6

In the context of the mental health of First Nations people, the idea of self-determination refers to ensuring
Indigenous communities have the power and resources to support their own mental wellbeing.. Three key practices we will discuss here are smoking ceremonies, bush
medicines, and spiritual realignment.

Question 7

smoking ceremony

Answer 7

ceremony: involves burning native plants to produce smoke has cleansing properties for
the soul and the land, thereby contributing to SEWB.

Question 8

bush medicine

Answer 8

refers to the traditional use of native Australian botanicals for both physical and
spiritual healing. Examples of bush medicine include eucalyptus, nettle, beach bean, and wattle.

Question 9

spiritual realignment

Answer 9

Spiritual realignment is whereby healers use their hands and touch to identify
where our body’s spirits may be out of place, and then pushes it back and ‘realigns’ our spirit to where
it is required. Accordingly, spiritual wellbeing will be improved, which will then promote other areas of
SEWB as well.

Question 10

how is cultural continuity a protective factor on wellbeing

Answer 10

Cultural continuity enables communities to heal and form strong identities, allowing them to re establish and maintain wellbeing

Question 11

how is self-determination a protective factor on wellbeing

Answer 11

• It enables individuals to feel in control over their own lives and live on their own terms
• It enables communities to protect what is most important to them