Weaving Healthy Families Program: Promoting Resilience While Reducing Violence and Substance Use
Catherine E McKinley1, Katherine P Theall2
1Tulane University School of Social Work, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Research on Social Work Practice
|July 14, 2021
Summary
The Weaving Healthy Families (WHF) program shows promising results for Native American (NA) families, improving resilience and wellness while reducing substance abuse and violence. This culturally adapted intervention supports family thriving and reduces risks for negative health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Family Studies
- Indigenous Health
Background:
- Native American (NA) families face unique challenges related to substance abuse, violence, and overall wellness.
- Culturally adapted interventions are crucial for effectively addressing the needs of diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pilot outcomes of the culturally adapted Weaving Healthy Families (WHF) program.
- To assess the program's effectiveness in promoting resilience and wellness among NA families.
- To examine the program's impact on preventing substance abuse and violence.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study utilizing paired sample t tests and analyses of variance (ANOVA).
- Convenience sample of 24 adults and adolescents from eight NA families.
- Data collected at pretest, posttest, and 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in substance abuse, adult depressive symptoms, and psychological/physical violence.
- Improvements in adult conflict resolution, health behaviors, adolescent wellness, and family resilience.
- Enhanced adult and adolescent resilience, communal mastery, social support, and emotional regulation were observed.
Conclusions:
- The Weaving Healthy Families (WHF) program demonstrates promising preliminary results for NA families.
- The intervention effectively promotes resilience and thriving.
- The program shows potential for reducing risks associated with substance abuse and violence in this population.
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