CUR - The Council on Undergraduate Research

Historical Loss: Implications for Health of American Indians in the Blackfeet Community

Dr. Neha John-Henderson & Dr. Benjamin Oosterhoff, Department of Psychology. Dr. Jason Carter, Department of Health and Human Development. Dr. Alexandra Adams, Director and Principal Investigator of The Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity. Montana State University- Bozeman, Culbertson Hall, 100, Bozeman, MT 59715.

Background: Historical loss in American Indians (AIs) is believed to contribute to high incidence of mental health disorders. Purpose: To investigate whether frequency of thought about historical loss predicts risk factors for chronic physical health conditions in an AI community. Methods: Using Community Based Participatory research (CBPR) and Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), we measured frequency of thoughts about historical loss in 100 AI adults residing on the Blackfeet reservation. Participants completed a one-week monitoring period, during which ambulatory blood pressure and daily levels of psychological stress were measured. At the end of the week, we collected a dried blood spot sample for measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: In a hierarchical linear regression controlling for demographics and depressive symptoms, greater frequency of thoughts about historical loss predicted higher average daily psychological stress, and higher average ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In a separate hierarchical linear regression controlling for the same covariates as well as Body Mass Index (BMI), greater frequency of thought about historical loss predicted higher levels of CRP. Conclusions: Interventions which positively affect historical loss may help to reduce risk for common chronic diseases on the Blackfeet reservation including diabetes and CVD.  

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