Loto Malie – The Development of a Cultural Intervention to Enhance Pacific Youth Mental Wellbeing

Abstract

Abstract: Young people’s mental health is paramount when considering their importance to today’s society and how they will become tomorrow’s leaders. It is essential to allow young people to develop and acquire skills for overcoming and managing obstacles in life. Although there is a paucity of literature on therapeutic approaches particularly for Pacific youth, research continues to highlight the importance of focusing on Indigenous youth’s needs and demands when developing mental health tools. Hence, the development of Loto Malie (contented heart), a youth mental health intervention focusing on Pacific youth wellbeing, which will be discussed in this brief. Additionally, it aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, which prioritizes health and wellbeing for all ages, specifically in mental health and healthcare workforce. Furthermore, this article promotes interventions that integrate culturally and community-led approaches that address health inequities and enrich global health frameworks.Impact and Implications:This policy brief aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which prioritizes health and wellbeing for all ages, specifically in mental health and healthcare workforces. Furthermore, this article promotes interventions that integrate culturally and community-led approaches that address health inequities and enrich global health frameworks.