An Assessment of Resilience and Wellness of the Canadian Rangers

Abstract

This study addresses the gap in the literature regarding the resilience and well-being of Canadian Rangers. Specifically, the relationship between trauma and mental health outcomes (MHOs) with moderating roles of protective factors (personal meaning, coping factors, social support). Among Indigenous Rangers, the moderating role of cultural connectedness (CC) and sense of identity (SI) on trauma and MHOs was examined. Participants (N=253) completed surveys measuring trauma exposure, social support, personal meaning, coping factors, outcomes of resilience, PTSD and depressive symptoms; plus CC and SI among Indigenous Rangers. Bivariate correlations and moderation analyses indicated greater endorsement of problem-focused coping, stronger social support and positive personal meaning were related to enhanced resilience, lower PTSD and depressive symptoms. The moderation effect of protective factors was identified. Furthermore, three-way interactions between Indigenous status on trauma, protective factors and MHOs were identified. None of the interaction effects were significant for CC and SI among Indigenous Rangers.