Feasibility of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention with Sheltered Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Abstract

Objectives Evidence of the acceptability and potential efficacy of mindfulness strategies with at-risk youth is mounting. Yet only a few studies have assessed these strategies among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH). Methods We conducted a mixed methods feasibility study of an adapted mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) with sheltered YEH. The MBI consisted of five 1.5-h sessions delivered at a youth homeless shelter over 2.5 weeks. A one-group pre/post-test design was utilized to collect quantitative assessments of real-time cognitions followed by qualitative inquiry to assess participants' experiences and perceptions of the intervention. Results Participants (N = 39) were between 18-21 years old with the majority identifying as male (56.4%), heterosexual (74.4%), Black (51.3%) and Hispanic (15.4%). Attendance was challenging for participants (2.2 sessions attended on average) who had varying work and school obligations. However, pre-post session survey data completeness was excellent (92% completion rate). Participants completed self-report surveys prior to and after each session that measured affect. Significant improvement in pre-post session outcomes were found for frustration, restlessness, stress, depression, boredom, and mindlessness. Participants reported high levels of acceptability of the curriculum content and delivery format. However, several substantial adaptations that youth identified may improve feasibility and acceptability among YEH. The results are limited by the small sample size and the use of a curriculum not developed with or for YEH. Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential feasibility of using MBIs among YEH although adaptations to existing curricula are necessary to increase relevance, acceptability of, and access to MBIs among YEH.

Trauma and healing in the underserved populations of homelessness and corrections: Forgiveness Therapy as an added component to intervention

“…Mindfulness is described as an intentional and non‐judgmental awareness of the present moment that can foster self‐regulation, self‐observation, self‐control, greater awareness of cognitions and emotions that can lead to cognitive and emotional reappraisal, less reactivity, and improved interpersonal relationships (Alhusen, Norris‐Shortle, Cosgrove, & Marks, 2017; Goyal et al, 2014; Shapiro, Carlson, Astin, & Freedman, 2006; Siegel & Williams, 2003). Santa Maria et al (2019) adapted MBI with 39 sheltered youth experiencing homelessness, between 18 and 21 years old. The authors utilized a mixed‐method study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an existing mindfulness curriculum with youth residing in a homeless shelter.…”

Adapting an evidence-based mindfulness-based intervention for sheltered youth experiencing homelessness

“…In the pilot study, we tested the feasibility and acceptability of using a slightly modified version of the . b curriculum among 39 sheltered YEH aged 18–21 years [ 64 ]. Though the program is usually delivered in a school setting over multiple weeks, in the shelter environment, in the pilot study, we had to make modifications to approximate the average time YEH spend in a shelter.…”

“…Therefore, we delivered the lessons in five 90-minute long sessions over 2.5 weeks. Though the results of the pilot intervention showed feasibility, findings also suggested that more substantial modifications were needed to improve its relevance and accessibility of the intervention for YEH and to ensure a trauma-informed approach [ 64 ]. In this paper, we present the adaptation process of the .…”

Protocol for the pilot study of group video yogic breathing app in breast cancer survivors

“…We demonstrated that YB stimulates 1) reductions in levels of salivary pro-inflammatory biomarkers [37], 2) induction of the neuromodulator Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is important for maintenance and survival of the peripheral and central nervous system [38], and 3) alterations in the levels of proteins associated with tumor suppression and immune regulation [39]. Although mobile Apps provide a convenient way to provide mindfulness exercises and could reduce barriers of delivery intervention [40][41][42], adherence to such apps is at very low rates [43,44].…”