Yarning about e-mental health tools: First Nations Australian youth perspectives of well-being and e-health

Abstract

This study implemented Indigenous research methods, including yarning, to understand First Nations youth’s perspectives of social and emotional well-being and how e-health can support their well-being. Six First Nations youth (aged 18–25 years, M = 21.33) based in Victoria, Australia, yarned with the First Nations researcher between April and July 2022. Yarns emphasised the importance of connection to family, Community, Mob, Country, and Spirit in maintaining and strengthening well-being. These findings were extended to yarns about e-health, where it was recommended that trust and cultural safety be considered in their design and implementation. These considerations should be explored in light of the ongoing impacts of colonisation, which contribute to fear and mistrust of governments experienced by First Nations youth. The findings provide meaningful contributions to the growing field of e-health and amplify First Nations voices to guide the development of culturally safe and effective e-health.