Mental health of Aboriginal children and adolescents in violent school environments: Protective mediators of violence and psychological/nervous disorders

The effect of school violence on mental health was examined among 12,366 Aboriginal children and adolescents, primarily First Nations, Métis, and Inuit residing off reservations in the Canadian provinces and territories. Analyses were based on the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples' Survey, a postcensal national survey of Aboriginal youth aged 6–14 years. More than one-fifth of students in the sample attended schools where violence was perceived as a problem. The occurrence of psychological or nervous disorders was about 50% higher among students exposed to school violence than among other students. School violence was a significant predictor of mental health difficulties, irrespective of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Virtually the entire effect was mediated by interpersonal processes, or negative quality of parent–child and peer relationships, while the effect was not explained by cultural detachment through lack of interactions with Elders and traditional language ability/use. Results underscored school violence as a significant public health concern for Aboriginal elementary and high school students, and the need for evidence-based mental health interventions for at-risk populations.

► This study advances knowledge on risk and protective factors associated with diagnosed psychological or nervous disorders among Aboriginal children residing off reserve in Canada.
► 3.6% of off-reserve Aboriginal children 6–14 years of age had a diagnosed psychological or nervous disorder.
► The prevalence of psychological nervous disorders was 50% higher among children attending schools where violence was perceived as problematic.
► Positive parent–child and peer relationships were protective mediators of school violence and psychological/nervous disorders.