Abstract
Researchers in applied social science are seeking ways of approaching the facilitation of community-based development at the grass-roots level. Much research to date has focused on negative social aspects in communities, such as substance abuse and high numbers of school drop-outs. An innovative approach was developed that involved looking instead at successful individuals in communities. Individuals identified as successful were interviewed about the factors they associated with their own success. The experience of supportive parenting during their childhoods and moderation in alcohol and other substance use as adults were strongly correlated with success in life. The interview process provided an effective springboard for discussions and the development of intervention strategies at the community level.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Caplan G: The family as support system. In G Caplan and M Killilea (Eds.)Support Systems and Mutual Help: Multidisciplinary Explorations. San Francisco: Grune and Stratton, 1976.
Dinges NG, Trimble JE, Manson SM, Pasquale FL: Counseling and psychotherapy with American Indians and Alaskan natives. In AJ Marsella and PB Pederson (Eds.)Cross-cultural Counseling and Psychotherapy. New York: Pergamon Press, 1981, pp. 243–276.
Dinges N, Yazzie ML, Tollefson GD: Developmental intervention for Navajo family mental health.Personnel and Guidance Journal, 52:390–395, 1974.
Kopytoff I: Classification of religious movements: analytical and synthetic. In J Helm (Ed.)Symposium on New Approaches to Religion. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1964.
Medicine B: Native American resistance to integration: Contemporary confrontations and religious revitalization.Plains Anthropologist, 26, No.4, pt.1, 1981.
Manson S, Tatum E, Dinges NG: Preventions research among American Indian and Alaska native communities: Charting future courses for theory and practice in mental health. In S Manson (Ed.)New Directions in Prevention Among American Indian and Alaska Native Communities. Portland: Oregon Health Services University, 1982.
Lefley HP: Self-perception and primary prevention for American Indians. In S Manson (Ed.)New Directions in Prevention Among American Indian and Alaska Native Communities. Portland: Oregon Health Services University, 1982.
Mason VE:Relationship of Drug Use and Self-Concept Among American Indian Youth, Ph.D. Dissertation. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico, 1985.
Ferguson F: Stake theory as an explanatory device in Navajo alcoholism treatment response.Human Organization 35:65–78, 1976.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Alfred K. Neumann, M.A., M.D., M.P.H., is Professor in the Department of Community Health and Director of the Preventive Medicine Residency Program at the School of Public Health, University of California at Los Angeles. Velma Mason, Ph.D., is Special Assistant to the Director, Office of Indian Education, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. Emmett Chase, M.D., M.P.H., is National AIDS Coordinator of the Indian Health Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was formerly Chief Physician of the American Indian Free Clinic in Compton, California, and Chief Resident of the UCLA Preventive Medicine Residency Program, School of Public Health at UCLA, Los Angeles. Bernard Albaugh, M.S.W., M.P.A., is Chairman of the Human Services Department, U.S. Public Health Service in Clinton, Oklahoma.
The authors gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the UCLA Institute of American Cultures, the UCLA American Indian Studies Center, the New Era Foundation for International Development, the advice and encouragement of colleagues, and the Cheyenne/Arapaho Business Committee. Thanks also go to Ms. Melody Knutson and Ms. Julia George for their work in research and editing.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Neumann, A.K., Mason, V., Chase, E. et al. Factors associated with success among southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians. J Community Health 16, 103–115 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01341719
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01341719