Stahnisch, FrankLucyk, Kelsey2013-09-232013-11-122013-09-232013http://hdl.handle.net/11023/992The relationship between economic change and mental health in resource-based communities has been largely unexplored. This historical case study examines how mental health was understood alongside changing economic circumstances in the resource-based community of Kitimat, British Columbia. A content analysis of archival documents and eight qualitative interviews with long-term residents revealed that understandings of mental health shifted according to local economic circumstances. Specifically, during times of economic growth the socially ideal family unit was seen as a way to achieve mental health. Conversely, during times of economic downturn residents were preoccupied with issues like housing or unemployment, which they identified as essential to their mental health. Overall, residents’ understandings of mental health aligned with holistic or biomedical perspectives, and sometimes both. Considering the recent state of economic development in Kitimat, and its inevitable downturn—common to other resource-based communities—this study offers important insight into the implications for mental health.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Mental HealthPublic HealthMental Healthcanadian historyPublic Healthmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/26331