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Psychological Distress among the Cree of James Bay

Sir Mortimer B. Davis – Jewish General Hospital, Montreal and McGill University

Lucy J. Boothroyd

Sir Mortimer B. Davis – Jewish General Hospital, Montreal

Adrian Tanner

Memorial University, Newfoundland

Naomi Adelson

York University, Ontario

Elizabeth Robinson

Public Health Module – Cree Region, Montreal

The object of this study was to identify potential risk and protective factors associated with psychological distress among the Cree of James Bay, through a secondary analysis of data on 1136 Cree (aged 15–85) from a random general population health survey in 1991. In multiple linear distress in the past week included: younger age, female gender, early loss of a parent or close relative, more life events in the year before the survey, a serious illness or drinking problem in the past year, ever having used cannabis, having more than elementary education, having fewer than five close friends/relatives and residing in an isolated or inland region. Having a good relationship with others in the community and spending more time in the bush were both associated with less distress. The relative importance of these factors varied across age/gender cohorts. We conclude that gender and generational differences should be considered when planning mental health promotion strategies for this population. In addition to more conventional approaches to reduce alcohol abuse, improve coping with loss and increase social support, targeted programs should be developed addressing the impact of education and role strain for women.

Key Words: culture change • indigenous people • psychological distress • substance use

Transcultural Psychiatry, Vol. 37, No. 1, 35-56 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/136346150003700102


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