Adolescent-Led Mental Health Promotion in the IMPACT Programme: Vignette Development with Indigenous Youth

Area of Science:

• Indigenous adolescent mental health
• Culturally responsive interventions
• Participatory action research

Background:

• Indigenous adolescents face unique biopsychosocial challenges, including cultural disruption and marginalization, leading to high rates of psychological distress and suicide.
• Culturally sensitive mental health programs centering youth voice and values are crucial for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate adolescent-led art-based vignettes as a culturally sensitive method for promoting mental health discussions.
• To explore the effectiveness of this methodology among Kaingang Indigenous adolescents in Brazil.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory qualitative study using participatory action research principles with 24 Kaingang adolescents (ages 10-18).
• 12 workshops over six months involved creating art vignettes (videos, drawings, songs) on school, family, and community themes.
• Thematic analysis was conducted with cultural validation from community members.

Main Results:

• Adolescents created 29 vignettes addressing discrimination, substance use, family dynamics, and spiritual practices.
• Identified protective factors included family support and community connections; risk factors included substance use and discrimination.
• Vignettes facilitated dialogue on distress, identity, and belonging, creating safe spaces for reflection.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent-led vignette creation is a promising, culturally grounded approach for Indigenous adolescent mental health promotion.
• The methodology fostered dialogue, adolescent agency, and reflective engagement, honoring cultural values.
• Findings support expanding this participatory approach across diverse Indigenous contexts to strengthen mental health programs.