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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cultural Adaptations of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Hispanic Populations

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Abstract

Objectives

The present study is a systematic review which aims to evaluate the current state of the literature on the effectiveness and cultural adaptations of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for Hispanics. MBIs are widely used psychological therapies, yet little is known about their effectiveness or appropriateness with the Hispanic population, the fastest growing ethnic minority population in the USA.

Methods

We identified and reviewed twenty-two studies, across the USA, Spain, and South America. Eight of these studies were coded for meta-analysis. Studies were also rated using methodological rigor and cultural adaptation ratings, developed for this study.

Results

Culturally adapted MBIs are associated with depression symptom improvement, stress reduction, stress management, and chronic illness management. Results from meta-analysis suggest a moderate to large effect of the interventions on psychiatric distress relative to scores in the comparison group.

Conclusions

Findings from this study suggest there is clear evidence that cultural adaptations can improve evidence-based treatment implementation among Hispanics, but more methodologically rigorous studies are needed. Recommendations for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA

    Rebeca Castellanos, Melek Yildiz Spinel, Van Phan & Kate Flory

  2. Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA

    Rosaura Orengo-Aguayo

  3. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA

    Kathryn L. Humphreys

Authors
  1. Rebeca Castellanos
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  2. Melek Yildiz Spinel
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  3. Van Phan
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  4. Rosaura Orengo-Aguayo
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  5. Kathryn L. Humphreys
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  6. Kate Flory
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Contributions

RC: designed and executed the study, assisted with the data analyses, and wrote the paper. MYS: assisted in the data analysis and coding procedures and wrote part of the results and discussion. VP: assisted in the data analysis and coding procedures and wrote part of the results. ROA: collaborated with the revisions to the paper and wrote part of the paper. KH: collaborated on the meta-analysis and wrote part of the results. KF: collaborated with the design and writing of the study. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript for submission.

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Correspondence to Rebeca Castellanos.

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Castellanos, R., Yildiz Spinel, M., Phan, V. et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cultural Adaptations of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Hispanic Populations. Mindfulness 11, 317–332 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01210-x

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