Peer-Led Emotional CPR Program in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Communities: Convergent Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) face significant mental health disparities and barriers to culturally competent care.
• Systemic racism, discrimination, and historical trauma contribute to mistrust in conventional mental health systems.
• Peer-led interventions centered on lived experience and cultural identity offer promising alternatives for building trust and emotional connection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in emotional well-being, empowerment, and interpersonal skills among BIPOC participants after completing a trauma-informed, peer-led mental health program.
• To assess the impact of Emotional CPR (Emotional Connection, Empowering, Revitalizing), facilitated by BIPOC trainers, on BIPOC individuals.
• To explore participants' experiences and perceived outcomes of the culturally responsive training.

Main Methods:

• A convergent mixed methods pre-post design was employed with 85 BIPOC participants.
• Validated self-report measures assessed outcomes like loneliness, empowerment, flourishing, hope, listening skills, mindfulness, social connectedness, and affect before and after the 12-hour online training.
• Qualitative data from 17 participants in posttraining focus groups were analyzed thematically, with quantitative and qualitative findings integrated.

Main Results:

• Participants reported significant short-term reductions in loneliness and increases in positive affect.
• However, significant declines were noted in self-rated empowerment, active-empathic listening, flourishing, and hope.
• Qualitative themes highlighted empowerment through skill-building and cultural safety, but also challenges in sustaining confidence, with increased emotional awareness potentially impacting self-perceptions.

Conclusions:

• BIPOC-facilitated Emotional CPR training showed short-term benefits in reducing loneliness and increasing positive affect.
• Temporary declines in self-perceived empowerment and hope may be linked to heightened emotional awareness and recognition of systemic stressors.
• Sustained empowerment and resilience in peer-led, culturally responsive interventions could be enhanced through ongoing reinforcement, mentorship, and follow-up support.