Growing Stronger Together: Evaluating a Culturally Integrated Strengthening Families Program With Native American...

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health
• Family Studies
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Historical oppression created disparities for Indigenous communities, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Indigenous families often find strength in traditional practices and cultural connections.
• Pre-existing health disparities for Indigenous families were amplified during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of a culturally integrated Strengthening Families Program (SFP) on Native American family functioning.
• To assess the effect of SFP on caregiver mental health among Indigenous families.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a culturally adapted SFP by local Indigenous members for Indigenous families in the Midwest.
• Utilized a t-test and multilevel mixed modeling to analyze program outcomes.
• Employed Indigenous facilitators in a culturally relevant setting.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in child's emotional problems and hyperactivity.
• Increase in positive parenting styles and improvements in family functioning.
• Decreased caregiver depression and high parent satisfaction with program outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Culturally integrated evidence-based programs like SFP are effective in promoting Indigenous family well-being.
• The SFP shows promising results for improving caregiver mental health amidst pandemic-related challenges.
• Findings support the use of culturally adapted interventions for Indigenous populations.