Positive childhood experiences and mental health among Indigenous peoples: A scoping review

The objectives of this scoping review were to summarize (a) common types of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) among Indigenous Peoples and (b) the relationship between PCEs and mental health among Indigenous Peoples.

This scoping review examined research conducted in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States (Settler States and territories) whose samples included Indigenous participants. The databases that were searched include PubMed, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science. The review also examined gray literature consisting of dissertations, conference abstracts and proceedings, and nonacademic statistical reports. Data were screened, selected, and extracted by a team of four independent reviewers. Thematic analysis, theoretically grounded by multisystemic resilience, was conducted and presented to frame a discussion of the evidence on PCEs and mental health among Indigenous Peoples.

A total of 57 sources were included after full-text review. The body of research represented diverse methodologies ranging from culturally centered qualitative methods, such as yarning circles, to brief intervention studies providing family- and/or school-based resilience promotion services. Four major types of PCEs emerged from the analyses, consisting of relations, culture, land, and identity. Existing research indicated that PCEs were positively associated with improved mental health outcomes among Indigenous Peoples. No harmful associations were reported among the included sources.

Current research suggested that PCEs serve as multisystemic pathways to supporting Indigenous well-being. PCEs are relevant to strengths and resilience-focused programs that promote the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).