Social and Emotional Well-Being: “Aboriginal Health in Aboriginal Hands”

An understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health discourse of social and emotional well-being (SEWB) is necessary for effective and culturally safe work in rural and remote communities. Composed of seven inter-connected domains of well-being – country, culture, spirituality, community, family and kinship, mind and emotions, and body – SEWB represents a cultural understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander relationality, identity, and holistic individual, family, and community health. Risk and protective factors for SEWB are detailed, evidence which supports the connections between well-being and the domains is presented, and finally, the findings of a strengths-based SEWB inquiry with older people in a remote community are discussed. In total, this chapter provides a valuable guide to essential principles, concepts, and practices, for those working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in rural and remote areas.