Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma (ALMA): Increasing Mindfulness and Social Support to Reduce Depression and Anxiety in Latina Immigrant Women.

Abstract

Objectives: Our study sought to evaluate whether increased mindfulness and social support mediated the effect of the Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma (ALMA) intervention on depression and anxiety among Latina immigrant women.

Method: The study was a secondary analysis of data from a trial evaluating the ALMA intervention with a delayed-intervention comparison group design. Latina immigrants (n = 226) were recruited from local organizations in King County, WA, to participate in an intervention delivered by trained facilitators within community-based settings. The program integrated strategies to increase mindfulness and social support, was delivered in Spanish, and incorporated aspects of Latino culture. Participants completed surveys to assess mindfulness, social support, depression, and anxiety at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 2-month follow-up. We used multiple mediation models to test for mediation.

Results: Intervention group participants reported decreased depression and anxiety scores post-intervention and at the 2-month follow-up. Mindfulness and social support mediated the effect of the intervention on both depression and anxiety. For depression, mindfulness mediated the effect through increased self-compassion, while social support mediated the effect through reduced social isolation and enhanced supportive networks. Results for anxiety indicated that increased self-compassion and reduced social isolation were the significant mediators.

Conclusions: Community-based group interventions that increase mindfulness and social support can improve mental health outcomes among Latina immigrant women. Further research should evaluate the impact of mindfulness-based interventions in Latino communities.