Chapter 10: Maintenance of Mental Wellbeing Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering biological, psychological, and social protective factors as well as cultural determinants of wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Mental wellbeing

An individual's psychological state, including their ability to think, process information, and regulate emotions.

Protective factors

Influences that enable an individual to promote and maintain high levels of mental wellbeing.

Biological protective factors

Influences stemming from an individual's brain and/or body that can maintain or promote mental wellbeing.

Adequate nutrition and hydration

A state achieved when the type and amount of food and drink that an individual consumes meet their physical needs.

Sleep

A regular and naturally occurring altered state of consciousness that involves a loss of awareness and disengagement with internal and external stimuli.

Psychological protective factors

Influences relating to mental processes that can maintain and promote mental wellbeing.

Cognitive behavioural strategies

Techniques that utilise traits of cognitive behavioural therapy, particularly recognising and changing dysfunctional thought and behavioural patterns.

Mindfulness meditation

The practice of meditation in which an individual focuses on their present experience to promote feelings of calm and peace.

Social protective factors

Influences that exist in an individual's social environment that can maintain and promote mental wellbeing.

Support

Genuine and effective assistance provided by family, friends, and community.

Determinants of wellbeing

Factors that influence wellbeing on individual and community levels.

Culture

A strong sense of identity, values, tradition, and connection between the past, present and future that drives behaviour and beliefs.

Cultural continuity

The passing down and active practice of cultural knowledge, traditions, and values from generation to generation.

Self-determination

The rights of all peoples to pursue freely their economic, social, and cultural development without outside interference.

Intergenerational trauma

The pervasive and widespread effect that occurs when communities experience trauma, which is passed on to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Treaty

An agreement between states, nations, or governments regarding how they will interact and how decisions will be made.