Learning Reflection: Identity Essay 2022

Running head: LEARNING REFLECTION: IDENTITY
Learning Reflection: Identity
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1LEARNING REFLECTION: IDENTITY
Description
The in module five lectures we were taught about the social determinants of health.
Social determinants of health are factors that contribute to the wellbeing of the aboriginals in
Australia. While the common health determinants like poverty, housing, education,
employment and social support, for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, cultural identity,
access to early education, freedom from racism and many more (Fredericks, 2013). The
aspect that caught my interest was identity and its relation to the health of Aboriginals and
Torres Strait Islanders. This essay reflects on identity as a health determinant for the
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders using Gibbs Reflective model (Gibbs, 2017).
Feelings
Feelings before being exposed to the issue
Before I attended the lecture I had assumed that the aboriginal health determinants
were similar to that of the rest of the population. Though I had learnt about the unique
position of the aboriginal people, I did not have idea that identity could play that much of an
important role to be called a health determinant, thus it came as a surprise to me.
How did you feel now after being further informed about the issue?
After I have learnt more from the module about identity I realize that I have been
having some assumptions about the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. Health not only
includes physical wellness but also mental. The factor of identity contributes to the mental
wellness of the aboriginal people in Australia.

2LEARNING REFLECTION: IDENTITY
Critical Evaluation
Was it good or bad? Why do you think this way?
The experience was an eye opener for me as I have been informed with deeper insight
into aboriginal health. When we think about health determinants, we generally assume that
the common factors only apply, but in this case I learnt that there are some unique factors that
might be at play for some groups like the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. As I realize
this, I have become cautious about assuming things when it comes to this population group
and keeping a more open mind about their issues.
How do you think you knew what you knew?
I have never given proper thought about how identity might affect a person or more
precisely, the loss of identity, which actually happened to the Aboriginals and Torres Strait
Islanders during and post colonization through the assimilation policies. Thus my concept has
been stereotyped and single minded.
Was your response to the issue or topic due to an experience and/or limited
consideration or understanding of the issue?
My earlier concepts about identity and its relation to health determination was limited.
While it is easy to justify the lack of knowledge, I realize that as an educated person and an
aspirant in nursing profession I need to be more mindful while assessing similar situations.
Analysis
Have any historical, political, cultural and environmental factors that you have learnt
about influenced your attitudes and beliefs about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples? If so how?