Mindfulness Intervention with African-American Caregivers at a Head Start Program: An Acceptability and Feasibility Study

Abstract

Objectives

Caregiver psychological distress is a critical determinant of child developmental outcomes and increased risk for child psychopathology. An emerging literature on mindfulness-based interventions for caregivers has demonstrated the potential to enhance caregiver coping abilities. However, scant literature exists on the feasibility and acceptability of mindfulness interventions in African-American communities. The goal of the current study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based group intervention for African-American caregivers of young children attending a Head Start Center. We also examined pre- and post-intervention measures related to caregiver mental health to assess the promise of this intervention for generating meaningful clinical outcomes.

Method

We conducted a mixed method, single-arm implementation study combining semi-structured focus groups, participant exit interviews, and quantitative measures related to mental health symptoms, parenting, and mindfulness.

Results

Our findings support the feasibility and acceptability of using mindfulness with predominantly African-American caregivers of young children attending a Head Start early learning program. Study participants cited a range of benefits in interviews including improvements in mindfulness, and psychological distress. Significant pre- to post-improvements in piloted measures were identified including sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, and negative and positive affect.

Conclusions

These results provide preliminary support for the use of a mindfulness-based approach for African-American families, though more research is needed to determine the effectiveness.