Psychosocial disorders of aboriginal people of the United States and Australia.

Abstract

Reviews the literature regarding psychosocial disorders among Aborigines of Australia and among American Indians and Eskimos of the US. Data suggest high rates of such disorders among both populations. Alcohol abuse, the most visible disorder, was associated with other high-prevalence disorders, including depression, suicide, family instability, delinquency, and accidental death. Major psychosocial explanations of aboriginal alcohol excess are reviewed, including lack of social control, boredom, and loss of dignity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)