FEASIBILITY, ACCEPTABILITY, AND INITIAL FINDINGS FROM A COMMUNITY-BASED CULTURAL MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTION FOR AMERICAN INDIAN YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES

Through a CBPR partnership, university and American Indian (AI) tribal members developed and tested Our Life intervention to promote mental health of AI youth and their families by addressing root causes of violence, trauma, and substance abuse. Based on premises that well‐being is built on a founda...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of community psychology 2012-05, Vol.40 (4), p.381-405
Main Authors: Goodkind, Jessica, LaNoue, Marianna, Lee and Lance Freeland, Christopher, Freund, Rachel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
American Indian Culture
American Indian History
American Indians
Barriers
Behavior modification
Community
Coping
Families & family life
Family Programs
Family Relationship
Feasibility
Health Promotion
Interpersonal Competence
Intervention
Mental Health
Native North Americans
Outcomes of Treatment
Quality of Life
Self Concept
Self Esteem
Social Adjustment
Substance Abuse
Trauma
Tribes
Well Being
Youth
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Summary:Through a CBPR partnership, university and American Indian (AI) tribal members developed and tested Our Life intervention to promote mental health of AI youth and their families by addressing root causes of violence, trauma, and substance abuse. Based on premises that well‐being is built on a foundation of traditional cultural beliefs and practices, and that it requires a process of healing and understanding, the 6‐month intervention had four components: 1) recognizing/healing historical trauma; 2) reconnecting to traditional culture; 3) parenting/social skill‐building; and 4) strengthening family relationships through equine‐assisted activities. Feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and preliminary outcomes were examined in a mixed‐method within‐group design. Engagement and retention were challenging, suggesting that families faced numerous barriers to participation. Youth who completed the program experienced significant increases in cultural identity, self‐esteem, positive coping strategies, quality of life, and social adjustment. Qualitative data supported these findings and suggested additional positive effects.
ISSN:0090-4392
1520-6629
DOI:10.1002/jcop.20517