Depression and Childhood Trauma amongst older Indigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians are much more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to have depression. The two primary reasons for their depression seem to be due to low levels of physical activity and unpleasant early life experiences, such as childhood trauma. Childhood trauma encompasses various forms of abuse, including emotional, sexual and physical abuse; as well as neglect and domestic violence.
Physical Activity in the Equation
Because physical activity generally contributes to better health and has shown to be as effective as treatments of depression (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), the researchers of this study aimed to investigate the relationships between physical activity, childhood trauma and later-life depression. As such, the aims of this study are
To investigate if physical activity can influence the relationship between childhood trauma and later-life depression by making later-life depression, which is caused by childhood trauma, less distressing;
To look into factors that are motivating and demotivating older Indigenous Australians from engaging in physical activity
The Current Study
The participants in this study were Indigenous Australians who are older adults (aged 55 and above). Additionally, several research methods were used in this study, including interviews, questionnaires and focus groups.
Results
In terms of the first aim, the researchers found that physical activity did not influence the relationships between childhood trauma and later-life depression, but the lack of correlation could be due to limitations of the questionnaires used. As such, the researchers suggest that physical activity is an appropriate intervention for individuals with depression as it can help them in maintaining healthy and happy (or happier) lives. Notably, participants who were physically active were generally less depressed than their less active counterparts.
In terms of the second aim, three main barriers were found to demotivate Idngeinous Australians from participating in physical activity.
These factors were:
psychological factors (mental illnesses),
physical factors (disabilities and obesity), and
social/environmental factors (domestic violence and a lack of social support).
On the flip side, factors that would motivate them to remain active are social support and social interactions.
My thoughts
Similar to the thoughts of the researchers, I believe that physical activity is extremely helpful, especially in terms of emotional and stress regulation. As privileged individuals who can actively exercise, we should also–within our capacity–aim to make physical activity inclusive: this can be as simple as encouraging a friend, who is not confident to exercise, to do so. While the immediate impact of such an action might not seem as great as helping ones who have experienced unfortunate events, such as childhood trauma, it is a great start to helping those around us. :)
Source:
Rowland, G., Hindman, E., Hassmén, P., Radford, K., Draper, B., Cumming, R., Daylight, G., Garvey, G., Delbaere, K., & Broe, T. (2021). Depression, childhood trauma, and physical activity in older indigenous australians. International Psychogeriatrics, , 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610221000132
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