Date of Award
5-2023
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
Dr. Caroline Lim
Abstract
This study explored Indigenous women’s perspectives about and applications of Traditional healing practices. As Indigenous women experience a disproportionate amount of trauma compared to other populations, this study sought to understand the preferred methods of healing among Indigenous women. Taking a qualitative approach, this study involved semi-structed interviews with five Indigenous women in California (N=5). Results from thematic analysis yielded five different themes: 1) Indigenous women use a variety of Traditional ceremonies and practices for healing, 2) Loss and grief are some of the motivational factors for Indigenous women to pursue healing through Traditional means, 3) Collective healing is important to Indigenous women, 4) Indigenous women sometimes use Western healing practices alongside their preferred Traditional healing methods, 5) Traditional healing ceremonies are passed on generationally. The implications of these findings for theory, research, and social work practice are discussed.
Keywords: Indigenous women, Traditional healing practices, qualitative research, thematic analysis, social work practice
Recommended Citation
Mariano-Grise, Lisa, "Indigenous Women and Traditional Paths to Healing" (2023). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 1742.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/1742