Indigenous Australians have faced severe systemic racism, social discrimination, and marginalisation since European colonisation began in the late 1

Indigenous Australians have faced severe systemic racism, social discrimination, and marginalisation since European colonisation began in the late 18th century. These experiences have resulted in profound and long-lasting trauma, affecting multiple generations of Indigenous peoples. This integrative literature review will examine how racism continues to impact Indigenous Australians, explore the psychological and emotional trauma resulting from this racism, and assess the cultural and systemic barriers that further exacerbate these effects.

Racism towards Indigenous Australians is pervasive, manifesting in various forms, such as overt discrimination, structural inequalities, and microaggressions. Historical events, such as the dispossession of land, the Stolen Generations There are more than 17,000 Stolen Generations survivors in Australia today, and many Aboriginal people have experienced lifelong physical, mental and economic disadvantage as a result of the Stolen Generations policies. This trauma has often been unintentionally passed on to children and grandchildren, affecting multiple generations (), and ongoing social inequalities have compounded these experiences. The trauma resulting from this racism is often complex and intergenerational, with the effects of past injustices being passed down to younger generations. The combination of systemic racism, cultural displacement, and psychological trauma has contributed to severe disparities in health, education, and economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians. This review focuses on these issues and aims to examine how racism as a societal construct impacts the mental health and well-being of Indigenous Australians.

A key focus of this paper will be the exploration of trauma. Trauma among Indigenous Australians is not limited to individual experiences but often occurs on a collective and cultural level. Historical trauma, defined as the cumulative emotional and psychological wounding over generations, is a critical aspect of understanding the Indigenous experience. This type of trauma arises not only from personal experiences of racism but also from the legacy of colonialism, which includes forced removal from families, cultural erasure, and systemic disenfranchisement. Additionally, Indigenous Australians face racial discrimination in health, education, employment, and the criminal justice system, which perpetuates cycles of trauma and disadvantage. The ongoing exposure to systemic racism contributes to chronic stress and psychological distress, leading to higher rates of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The justification for focusing on this population and the trauma they endure is embedded in the need for a deeper understanding of the impact of racism on Indigenous Australians' well-being. Indigenous communities continue to experience disproportionate health outcomes, with life expectancy significantly lower than that of non-Indigenous Australians. Furthermore, the mental health disparities are alarming, with Indigenous Australians experiencing suicide rates nearly double the national average. Addressing these issues through a comprehensive literature review is essential, as it provides a foundation for understanding the broader implications of racism and trauma while also identifying gaps in current research and informing future policy and support programs. Ultimately, understanding the relationship between racism and trauma among Indigenous Australians is crucial for addressing the long-term impacts of colonialism, promoting healing, and achieving social justice for this population.

Indigenous Australians have long been subjected to systemic racism, which has caused profound trauma that continues to affect their communities. The traumatic experiences resulting from racism are multifaceted, deeply embedded in historical injustices, and exacerbated by ongoing societal discrimination. Indigenous Australians exposure to racismboth overt and coverthas created complex forms of trauma, commonly referred to as intergenerational or historical trauma. This trauma has far-reaching impacts, shaping behaviours, health outcomes, and social dynamics within Indigenous communities. To understand the lived experiences of Indigenous Australians who are exposed to racism, it is essential to examine the different manifestations of trauma and the behavioural responses that result from it.

Racism-related trauma among Indigenous Australians is inextricably linked to the colonial history of Australia. The dispossession of land, forced removal of children (the Stolen Generations), and denial of cultural practices have all contributed to collective trauma. This trauma is passed down through generations, affecting not only those who directly experienced colonial policies but also their descendants. Indigenous Australians frequently report feelings of grief, loss, and disconnection from their cultural identity as a result of these historical injustices (Gee et al., 2014). More contemporary forms of racism, such as discrimination in healthcare, education, and employment, further compound this trauma and create significant barriers to achieving social and economic equality.

The experience of trauma for Indigenous Australians is not limited to emotional distress. Racism has a direct impact on their mental and physical health. Exposure to racism is linked to higher rates of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Zubrick et al., 2010). Indigenous Australians are also disproportionately affected by substance use disorders, which often serve as a coping mechanism for dealing with the psychological toll of ongoing discrimination. The stress of experiencing racism on a regular basis leads to what is known as racial battle fatigue, a state of emotional exhaustion that results from constant exposure to microaggressions and systemic inequities (Paradies, 2016). This state of fatigue exacerbates pre-existing health disparities and contributes to a heightened risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Behavioural responses to trauma among Indigenous Australians vary, but many stem from a deep sense of disempowerment, disconnection, and alienation. One typical response is the internalisation of racist ideologies, which can manifest as low self-esteem, hopelessness, and feelings of inferiority (Paradies et al., 2015). This internalised racism can be destructive, leading to disengagement from educational and professional opportunities. Indigenous students, for example, may exhibit lower academic performance due to feelings of exclusion and the lack of culturally appropriate support in schools. These experiences further entrench cycles of disadvantage, limiting opportunities for social mobility.

Other behavioural responses to trauma include substance abuse, aggression, and antisocial behaviour, which may arise as coping mechanisms for dealing with chronic stress and emotional pain. Substance abuse, in particular, is a well-documented response to trauma within Indigenous communities. Alcohol and drug use are often used as means of self-medication to alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress (Gray & Wilkes, 2010). Additionally, behavioural challenges such as family violence, criminal behaviour, and high rates of incarceration are often linked to the unaddressed trauma that stems from racism and cultural displacement. Indigenous Australians are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, with many individuals becoming trapped in cycles of recidivism as a result of untreated trauma and lack of access to culturally appropriate rehabilitation services.

Despite these challenges, many Indigenous Australians demonstrate resilience in the face of trauma. Traditional cultural practices, storytelling, and community connections serve as protective factors that help mitigate the impacts of racism. However, the broader societal failure to address systemic racism perpetuates cycles of trauma and negative behavioral responses. To effectively address these issues, interventions must be grounded in an understanding of the cultural and historical context of Indigenous Australians. Culturally sensitive mental health services, trauma-informed care, and programs that promote cultural reconnection are essential for breaking the cycle of trauma and supporting Indigenous Australians in healing from the long-lasting effects of racism.