Creating a tool to measure the impact of historical trauma on the health of American Indian and Alaska Native populations

Development of an Instrument for Assessment of Indigenous Historical Trauma as a Social Determinant of Health Among American Indian/Alaska Native Populations

NIH-funded research George Washington University · NIH-10884275

This study is working to create a helpful tool that will measure how historical trauma affects the health of American Indian and Alaska Native communities, so we can better understand and address health issues that arise from these past experiences.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorge Washington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-10884275 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a comprehensive assessment tool to measure indigenous historical trauma (IHT) as a social determinant of health among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. By employing community-based research methods and collaborating with local tribes, the project will gather qualitative data to better understand the broader effects of IHT on health disparities. The goal is to create a validated instrument that captures the complex, cross-generational impacts of historical trauma, which can then be used to inform health interventions and policies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are American Indian and Alaska Native individuals who have experienced or are affected by historical trauma.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as American Indian or Alaska Native may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native populations by addressing the root causes of health disparities.

How similar studies have performed: While research on historical trauma is emerging, this specific approach to developing a validated assessment tool is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Washington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Accidental Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.