University Reflection: Identity's Role in Aboriginal Health (401206)

This assignment is a reflective report exploring the student's understanding of identity as a social determinant of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, drawing on lectures and module content. The student uses Gibbs' Reflective Cycle to analyze their initial assumptions, feelings, and biases regarding Aboriginal health, particularly focusing on the impact of cultural identity. The report examines how historical and political factors, including colonization and assimilation policies, have shaped health outcomes. The student concludes by identifying personal biases and committing to a more culturally inclusive and mindful approach in future nursing practice. The report references several academic sources to support the analysis and demonstrates an understanding of cultural safety and the importance of addressing stereotypes in healthcare.

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?

3LEARNING REFLECTION: IDENTITY
My concept regarding identity as a factor for health has been so due to my own
perception and lack of understanding. I have been biased in thinking that when a population
receives all the traditional health benefits, that should be enough for their development of
health and I did not take into consideration the unique position that these people are in and
how the intersectionality is affecting them (Langham et al., 2017). I have learnt through the
module that political and cultural aspects are responsible for health outcomes, as can be
clearly seen through the example of the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.
Conclusion
What conclusions have you reached?
Through the learning and this reflection, I have reached the conclusion that when it
comes to the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, there are many stereotypes and
assumptions that are present in the society (Coffin, 2007). That feeds into out thought process
and sometimes we overlook what is lying there before us in plain sight. Identity is an
essential part of a human’s life and is quite natural that it would affect a population when
their identity have been stripped off so thoroughly.
What do you know now that you did not know before?
Now I know that I have some biases and generalization in thinking when it comes to
the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders health. This might affect my thought process in
the future. Thus, I need to be careful about this and practice a more open and mindful practice
when I am caring for my patients belonging to this community. I must be aware of the culture
of this population group at all times.

4LEARNING REFLECTION: IDENTITY
Action plan
What have you learnt about yourself, Aboriginal people and Australian society? Can
you make a positive change? What else do you think you need to learn?
I have learnt that despite much effort I have not been free of bias and generalization. I
have gained deeper insight into the issues related to the Aboriginals and Torres Strait
Islanders and also that the society is still largely biased against them (Carlson, 2016). I
believe through more reflection on learning and experience with the population I would be
able to develop a culturally safe and inclusive practice.
What are you going to do in the future as a nurse or how will you do to deliver safe
quality care to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People?
In future, as a nurse, I would ensure that I practice a culturally inclusive, mindful and
open practice. I would consider all aspects of a patient before I make any assumptions.

5LEARNING REFLECTION: IDENTITY
References
Carlson, B. (2016). Concluding Remarks. The politics of identity: who counts as Aboriginal
today? AIATSIS, 2016.
Coffin, J. (2007). Rising to the challenge in Aboriginal health by creating cultural security.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal, 31(3), 22-24.
Fredericks, B. (2013). ‘‘We don’t leave our identities at the city limits”: Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people living in urban localities. The Journal of the Australian
Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), 1, pp. 4-6.
Gibbs, G. (2017). Learning by doing: a guide to teaching and learning methods.
1988. London: Further Education Unit.
Langham, E., McCalman, J., Matthews, V., Bainbridge, R. G., Nattabi, B., Kinchin, I., &
Bailie, R. (2017). Social and emotional wellbeing screening for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islanders within primary health care: a series of missed
opportunities?. Frontiers in public health, 5, 159.