Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men’s groups and social and emotional wellbeing: a scoping review

Abstract

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men’s groups are recognised for improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. However, there is currently no published evidence of the synthesis of these groups. This review examined the characteristics, aims, activities and impacts of these groups. PsycINFO, MEDLINE and HealthInfoNet were utilised to identify the published and grey literature from the year 2000 onwards, from which we selected 19 articles. Groups were described as safe spaces that utilise a holistic and strengths-based approach. This translated to their aims, which were to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of men and their communities. Activities included periodic meetings, programme and service delivery, and health promotion and education. Impacts included self-development, increased optimism and support for men’s broader communities. These groups appear to operate in ways that are consistent with the social and emotional wellbeing framework and provide a form of social and cultural support for men.