Building a More Diverse and Inclusive Science: Mindfulness-Based Approaches for Latinx Individuals

Abstract

Objectives This article represents a call to action for the mindfulness field to be more diverse and inclusive of Latinx individuals. Building a diverse and inclusive science around mindfulness-based approaches (MBAs) that considers important group-level cultural and contextual information is an important public health challenge in need of innovative solutions. Methods We describe ways that the Latinx population is poised to benefit from MBAs. We further elucidate challenges, describe potential solutions, and outline a research agenda that may hold promise for building a more inclusive mindfulness movement. Results Our recommendations center around developing nuanced cultural adaptations to MBAs, engaging Latinx individuals in research, increasing the rigor of scientific studies pertaining to Latinx individuals, relying on implementation science to develop innovative methods for disseminating MBAs to Latinx individuals, developing training and certification mechanisms to increase diversity and representation of Latinx mindfulness teachers, and creating mechanisms for the oversight of MBAs within this group. Conclusions There has been a lack of inclusivity of Latinx individuals in the field of MBAs with regards to research studies, barriers to access for economically disadvantaged groups, and lack of diversity in its workforce. Considering the recognition of adverse social drivers of health that generate chronic stress and health disparities, the Latinx population is especially poised to benefit greatly from MBAs. A diverse and inclusive mindfulness science holds promise to enhance the effectiveness, acceptability, feasibility, and wide-scale dissemination and implementation of MBAs.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mindfulness-Based Smartphone App among Pregnant Women with Obesity

“…Notably, we tested the impact of mindfulness training on eating behaviors in addition to psychological outcomes. Of note, four of five participants were of Hispanic ethnicity, a group that is typically more socially disadvantaged and rarely engaged in mindfulness-based research [ 19 ]. This population has also been shown to have higher rates of obesity in the United States than those who are non-Hispanic [ 20 ].…”

Feasibility of Implementing a Mindfulness-Based Online Program for Latina Immigrants and the Staff that Work with Them

“…During the sessions, primarily the “connecting with my [migration] story,” participants shared prior traumatic events from their pre-migration and migration experiences, highlighting the need for using a trauma-informed and trauma-based approach when working with this population (Nagy et al, 2022 ). Even though the migration topic discussion was challenging for the staff members, the mothers and Promotoras reported the greatest benefit from this topic.…”

“…In a strengths-based—rather than a deficits-based—approach, TIC can draw from personal and community strengths, to allow for growth and healing after experiencing trauma through trusting environments that actively avoid revictimization (Miller et al, 2019 ). It has been highlighted by a recent call to action for the mindfulness field to develop and focus on a stronger strength-based and community practice approach when developing and delivering MBIs for the Latinx population (Nagy et al, 2022 ).…”

“…In the USA, one in three Latinos is an immigrant (Passel & Cohn, 2008 ). Immigration is linked to high stressors and unique traumas that may impact the way people experience their everyday life and difficult situations (Nagy et al, 2022 ). A large proportion of Latinx immigrants, especially those coming from Central America, are fleeing potentially traumatic circumstances such as extreme poverty, government corruption, deprivation, inequality, and violence (Chavez et al, 2022 ; Kaltman et al, 2011 ; Peña-Sullivan, 2020 ).…”

Long-term effects of a prenatal mindfulness intervention on depressive symptoms in a diverse sample of women.

“…The social and demographic characteristics of the sample are important to acknowledge. Offering accessible, scalable, culturally relevant mindfulness interventions that are congruent with the needs of lower income, Black, Indigenous, and people of color is essential to health equity (Biggers et al, 2020; Garfield & Watson-Singleton, 2021; Nagy et al, 2022). Most pregnancy mindfulness interventions have been examined in White populations.…”