Protective and risk factors for social and emotional well-being of Indigenous children and adolescents: A rapid review

Background: Indigenous children and adolescents experience life circumstances that significantly affect their social and emotional well-being (SEWB) and limit their capacity to fulfil their potential. This contributes to inequities in health, education, employment, and justice system involvement. Aim: We aimed to synthesise the existing literature to comprehensively understand the protective and risk factors for SEWB of Indigenous youth in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States (CANZUS). Methods: We conducted a systematic search of English literature using Google Scholar, Scopus, Informit, HealthInfonet, and PubMed. Results: Sixty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. The identified risk and protective factors were mapped according to seven thematic and interconnected areas including connection to the (a) body; (b) mind and emotions; (c) family and kinship; (d) community; (e and f) culture, country, and land (place/space); and (g) ancestry and spirituality. Conclusions: Indigenous peoples’ perceptions of SEWB differ from traditional Western conceptualisations of health. Their perceptions carry a culturally distinct meaning, which is largely shared by Indigenous peoples across the CANZUS societies. An understanding of risk and protective factors for SEWB can inform targeted policy and public health practice frameworks aimed at improving Indigenous youth’s health and well-being.