Seth Westhead

Mr. Seth Westhead


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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LSLeda Sivak
Leda Sivak
SWSeth Westhead
Seth Westhead
EREmmalene Richards
Emmalene Richards
SAStephen Atkinson
Stephen Atkinson
JRJenna Richards
Jenna Richards
ABAlex Brown
Alex Brown
Traditional languages are a key element of Indigenous peoples’ identity, cultural expression, autonomy, spiritual and intellectual sovereignty, and wellbeing. While the links between Indigenous language loss and poor mental health have been demonstrated in several settings, little research has sought to identify the potential psychological benefits that may derive from language reclamation. The revival of the Barngarla language on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, offers a unique opportunity to examine whether improvements in mental health and social and emotional wellbeing can occur during and following the language reclamation process. This paper presents findings from 16 semi-structured interviews conducted with Barngarla community members describing their own experienced or observed mental health and wellbeing impacts of language reclamation activities. Aligning with a social and emotional wellbeing framework from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, key themes included connection to spirituality and ancestors; connection to Country; connection to culture; connection to community; connection to family and kinship; connection to mind and emotions; and impacts upon identity and cultural pride at an individual level. These themes will form the foundation of assessment of the impacts of language reclamation in future stages of the project.

4 June 2022 in Medical Journal of Australia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SWSeth Westhead
Seth Westhead
QAQuinton Appleby
Quinton Appleby
BABrittney Andrews
Brittney Andrews
TBTina Brodie
Tina Brodie
ABAlex Brown
Alex Brown
PAPeter Azzopardi
Peter Azzopardi