Grief and Historical Trauma Among American Indian and Alaska Native Populations: A Cluster Analysis

Abstract

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities face significant social, economic, and health disparities rooted in historical traumas stemming from colonization. These disparities manifest in disproportionate rates of poverty, unemployment, and early mortality among AI/AN populations. High rates of premature deaths contribute to a persistent cycle of grief and loss, perpetuating mental and physical health problems. The current study explores the relationships between grief, historical trauma, and psychological and physical health outcomes among AI/AN individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 576 AI adults, measuring complicated grief, adaptive grief, historical trauma, anxiety, depression, alcohol use problems, sleep health, and physical health. Cluster analysis revealed four distinct groups based on levels of complicated grief and historical trauma. Results indicated that higher levels of complicated grief and historical trauma were associated with worse mental and physical health outcomes. Moreover, individuals living on reservations reported higher levels of loss and historical trauma. Adaptive grief remained consistent across groups, suggesting a stable coping mechanism irrespective of grief severity. Findings underscore the need for interventions addressing grief and historical trauma to improve overall health outcomes in AI/AN communities.