Exploring the Efficacy of Aboriginal Men’s Socioemotional Healing Programs in Australia: A Scoping Review of Evaluated Programs

Abstract

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter, respectfully, Indigenous) men’s health and social indicators reflect an ongoing legacy of social disruption with profound implications for broader family and community contexts. In response to recognized needs, healing programs have been implemented within Australia. The literature on relevant best practices for Indigenous men’s healing was explored to inform the planning and implementation of a local program. A scoping review of electronic databases was undertaken to retrieve information between 2012 and 2022 on social and emotional healing programs for Indigenous men that included a program evaluation. Of the 2123 identified articles, many lacked a program evaluation or were not specific to male participants, with nine meeting the inclusion criteria for the review. Six central elements that supported the programs’ reported efficacy were identified: kinship, cultural understanding, a view of healing as being holistic, a strengths-based approach, a male leadership team, and a consistent meeting space. These elements were important for the social and emotional healing of the Indigenous male participants. Based on these findings, there is an increased need for the identified elements to be incorporated into programs for Indigenous men to accompany ongoing efforts in improving the wellbeing of the Indigenous population overall.