Culturally Adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training for Latinx Caregivers

Abstract

Latinx caregivers of school-aged children are faced with unique stressors. These stressors include racism, immigration status, and limited resources in schools. Despite an abundance of evidence-based programs for parents and caregivers, many were not developed by or with members of the intended demographic or with specific attention to racial and linguistic identities and social context. This study was a pilot-trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of Escuela de Madres y Padres (EMP; “School for Mothers and Fathers”), a program based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills adapted in a community context by Latinx community leaders who are recognized for their expertise in culturally responsive practices to support Latinx caregivers. EMP integrates DBT skills with a strength-based approach and decolonizing lens to highlight and promote the resiliencies and capacities of Latinx parents of school-aged students. Participation in EMP was associated with high satisfaction among participants, significantly decreased perceived stress among caregivers, significantly increased mindfulness in parenting, significantly increased emotion regulation among caregivers, and significantly decreased child behavioral difficulties. This study indicates that EMP holds promise as a culturally relevant program that could improve the well-being of Latinx caregivers.