Mindfulness-based group training with Latino immigrant community
Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether mindfulness-based group training is an effective alternative therapeutic intervention to use with Latino Immigrants to increase well-being. Latino immigrants are in need of alternative therapeutic approaches to address mental health care disparities among this population and the general population. Mindfulness-based training has recently been described as a promising alternative intervention for individuals seeking to increase their well-being and has the potential to serve as an alternative therapeutic service for this population. There has been a multitude of research showing the effectiveness of this modality, however there currently are no published studies documenting the benefits of mindfulness-based group training with Latino immigrants. Mindfulness-based group training is an evidenced-based non-drug, psychotherapeutic intervention approach aimed at increasing mental health and overall well-being among its participants. This study evaluated the impact of mindfulness-based group training with Latino immigrants who participated in 8-session structured groups. Researchers were specifically interested in looking at the impact this intervention had on participants’ depression, anxiety, perceived stress, self-compassion, and mindfulness trait. Forty-one individuals participated in this study. Researchers collected pre and post scores for 21 individuals and found that mindfulness-based group training significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, while also significantly increased self-compassion. These results show preliminary evidence for the use of mindfulness-based group training within the Latino immigrant community as a therapeutic alternative approach to increase well-being among this population. The findings from this research also help reinforce the notion that researchers and agencies should be looking at ways to increase community engagement in their practice and research practices, while also increasing their advocacy roles in their respective communities.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Nalbone, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Behavioral Sciences|Counseling Psychology|Hispanic American studies
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