Reconciling Indigenous Australian spirituality and the population health paradigm at Yarrabah, Far North Queensland

Abstract

In Australia, the concept of social and emotional wellbeing is an important attempt to merge the population health paradigm and an Indigenous Australian worldview in which spirituality is a key element of health. This paper presents the findings of the Family Wellbeing (FWB) project evaluation at Yarrabah, far north Queensland. Data collected through semi-structured interviews with participants were analysed and interpreted to describe the ways in which self-reported changes in attitudes and behaviour related to themes commonly associated with spirituality. The findings indicate that values such as empathy and hope, and improved communication with one’s family are not only important aspects of individual and community spiritual life, but have implications for the design and evaluation of public health strategies aiming to improve Indigenous Australian health and wellbeing.