Mental Distress: Risk and Protective Factors Among American Indian Youth

• In Event: Place, Pathways, Persistence, and Protection in Schooling

Abstract

This study investigates the associations between mental distress of American Indian youth and risk and protective factors. Having at least one lifetime trauma, being bullied by peers, substance abuse, and skipping schools are used as risk factors; and perceived social supports and out-of-school-time activity participation are used as protective factors. Utilizing a survey with 5714 American Indian students, through logistic regression, findings suggest that risk factors are associated with more mental distress. Students who participate in out-of-school-time activities at least three times a week, and those reporting social supports, particularly family/community support and sense of empowerment, have lower probability of mental distress. Practice and policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• Ozge Ersan, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

• Tai Tri Do, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Youngsoon Kang, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Michael C. Rodriguez, University of Minnesota