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Translating and Implementing a Mindfulness-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Intervention in a Native American Community

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Abstract

The present study is a feasibility study, aimed at investigating whether a mindfulness-based prevention intervention can be translated and implemented in a Native American youth population. Guided by the adaptation process model, a mindfulness youth suicide prevention intervention was developed and implemented in a Native American school. One group of eight youth, ages 15–20, participated in a 9-week pilot of the intervention. Results of the mixed-methods process and outcome evaluation suggest that the intervention is acceptable to Native American youth, with positive indications in terms of better self-regulation, less mind wandering, and decreased suicidal thoughts. It became clearly evident that a collaborative and indigenous research framework is both required and necessary to ensure feasibility and sustainability of mindfulness-based interventions.

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Acknowledgments

This project was supported by a grant from the American Psychological Foundation and funding from the Colorado Injury Control Research Center. We are also grateful for the support and input from CSKT Tribal Council, Tribal Social Services Department, Circle of Trust Suicide Prevention Program, Tribal Elders, Cultural Committees, Two Eagle River School, Dean Furukawa, and Becky Ereaux. We are also indebted to the Mind Body Awareness Project for providing curriculum expertise and training, and to the youth and facilitators who opened their hearts and minds. Lastly, we express our appreciation to the anonymous reviewers who provided their valuable comments and edits.

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  1. Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA

    Thao N. Le

  2. Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes, Pablo, MT, USA

    Judith M. Gobert

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  1. Thao N. Le
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Correspondence to Thao N. Le.

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Le, T.N., Gobert, J.M. Translating and Implementing a Mindfulness-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Intervention in a Native American Community. J Child Fam Stud 24, 12–23 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-013-9809-z

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