Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders' Identity and Housing Status: The Impact on Historical Trauma and Perceived Stress

Overview

Journal Int J Environ Res Public Health

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Environmental Health
Public Health

Date 2024 Sep 28

PMID 39338132

Authors

Tessa Palafu

Danielle L Carreira Ching

Veronica M Acosta

Scott K Okamoto

Kelsie H Okamura

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) are overrepresented in Hawai'i's houseless population. Indigenous populations, such as NHPIs, may encounter experiences of historical trauma that impact their well-being. This original research project examines how NHPI identity and houselessness compound to affect the perceived stress and historical trauma of transition-aged youth. Fifty-one participants aged 18 to 24 ( = 21.37, = 1.93) completed a survey that included the historical traumatic events scale, historical loss scale, perceived stress scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Over half ( = 26, 51.0%) of the participants identified as NHPI. A two-way ANOVA indicated a non-significant effect of NHPI identity and housing status on perceived stress. However, housed participants scored significantly higher than participants experiencing houselessness on the historical traumatic events scale ( = 0.006). Our findings elucidate the role of knowledge in the experience of historical trauma. Further results, limitations, and future directions are offered.

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