The Inupiat's understanding of the mind reflects a people who
know the power of the mind and how to maintain its sharpness
even into old age. Research shows that what one thinks about
can influence well-being. Negative affect (hostility, anger, nega-
tive emotions) correlates substantially with measures of trait
anxiety, depression, stress reactivity, and other indices of neu-
roticism ( Tellegen, 1985), and also can be related to significant
levels of somatic complaints ( Watson & Pennebaker, 1989).

The Inupiat describe a good or healthy mind as one that fol-
lows the elders' teachings of being happy, possessing a clear
mind, and thinking correctly. An individual has a good or
healthy mind if he or she follows the subsistence lifestyle and
maintains good conduct. For the majority of the Inupiat, a good
mind is possession of a Christian mind and does not include
imbibing in alcohol and drugs. Other qualities of a good mind
are positive thinking and being in harmony with and loving oth-
ers. These responses reflect the values that are important to these
people as well as the conscious intent to be proactive in main-
taining a healthy mind. Each of these is discussed in detail.

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