Resilience and Low Substance Use Among Indigenous College Students from a Sexual Assault Prevention Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Indigenous Peoples face disproportionately high rates of sexual victimization.
• Sexual assault research often overlooks the unique experiences and strengths of Indigenous communities.
• Substance use is a common risk factor linked to sexual assault, necessitating targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine resilience and risk factors associated with sexual assault among Indigenous young adults.
• To inform culturally relevant sexual violence and substance use prevention and intervention programs.
• To understand the interplay between cultural engagement, systemic inequities, and sexual violence.

Main Methods:

• A multi-methods design combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews.
• Quantitative survey of 401 Indigenous college students at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs).
• Qualitative interviews with 14 Indigenous college students to provide in-depth perspectives.

Main Results:

• Survey participants reported high trauma history but also high resilience and lower substance use than national guidelines.
• Qualitative data revealed that cultural and community engagement are significant sources of strength.
• Indigenous students identified systemic inequities contributing to sexual violence and substance use.

Conclusions:

• Indigenous college students possess inherent strengths, particularly through cultural and community connections, that offer protection against sexual violence and substance use.
• Findings underscore the need for culturally tailored prevention and intervention programs that acknowledge systemic factors.
• This research provides a foundation for developing effective, community-informed strategies to address sexual assault and substance use in Indigenous communities.