| Native Hawaiians are represented in the literature as experiencing poor health when compared to other major ethnic groups and the general population of Hawai'i. Despite the pressing need to address health disparities experienced by Native Hawaiians, minimal research takes a strengths-based approach or examines resilience factors that serve as buffers for adverse experiences of Native Hawaiians. Strengths-based approaches to health may specifically foster resilience, a concept referring to an individual's ability to overcome adversity through protective factors, which in turn leads to better health outcomes.;The overall purpose of this dissertation was to examine factors that foster resilience and increase the overall health and wellbeing of Native Hawaiians. The conceptual model of this dissertation was based on an integration of the concept of Lokahi---balance with the 'aina (land or environment), kanaka (the community), and akua (God or the spiritual realm)---and the Socio-Ecological Model, which considers prevention on multiple levels including the individual, interpersonal, and community level.;Studies 1 and 2 were based on data collected from the Hawaiian Homestead Survey. In study 1, psychometric properties of scales that measured resilience factors through internal assets and coping resources available to an individual on multiple levels were determined through higher order confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). In study 2, structural equations models were developed to determine whether resilience (based on the construct developed in study 1) served as a mediator or moderator of adversity (measured through SES and perceived racism) on health. In study 3, a total of 12 key informant interviews were conducted to explore the concept of resilience specific to health through the perspective of Native Hawaiians currently residing on Hawaiian Homestead Lands.;Together, the results from this dissertation suggest that: 1) health may be perceived through a holistic perspective; 2) resilience may be considered as a multi-dimensional construct, consistent with recent research focusing on resilience; and 3) socio-economic burdens and competing demands may be considered as substantial adversities for Native Hawaiians residing on Hawaiian Homestead Lands. The final chapter of this dissertation provides implications for practice, policy, and future research. |
