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A Community-Based Mindfulness Intervention Among Latino Adolescents and Their Parents: A Qualitative Feasibility and Acceptability Study

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Abstract

Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based meditation interventions (MBMIs) among Latino youth. Furthermore, joint parent–child participation in such programs is rare. Utilizing a community-based participatory research approach, this study evaluated the feasibility of a pilot bilingual MBMI among Latino adolescents and their parents in Los Angeles. Qualitative interviews were conducted to assess the practicality, implementation, and acceptability of the program. Challenges to attendance included health issues or conflicts with work. Several adolescents struggled with distractions from peers. However, overall responses suggest that parents and children found the program convenient and enjoyable, and perceived benefits from the curriculum. This study supports the feasibility of a MBMI among Latino family dyads.

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Acknowledgments

From Bienestar: Flor Vindel, Ying Yung Chen. From Legacy LA: Ruby Rivera, Sarah Reyes, Isaac Caldera, Jeanny Marroquin, Isabel Marquez, Martha Gonzalez, Marlene Arazo, Karina Licon, Evangeline Ordaz. From USC: Amy Rodriquez, Maryann Pentz, Tess Cruz, Jennifer Unger, Patricia Escobedo, James Thing, Jimi Huh, Michael Li, Donna Spruijt-Metz. Consultants: Community Advisory Board Members, Peter Hovmand, Jill Kuhlberg. A special thanks to all the individuals who gave their time to participate in this project.

Funding

This study was funded by the National Cancer Institute (T32CA009492), the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (Grant #: R24MD007978, Program Official: Sheila McClure) & the USC Good Neighbors Program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Keck School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, University of Southern California, 2001 N Soto St., 3rd Floor Desk, 312-23, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA

    Jessica Tobin, Karina Dominguez Gonzalez, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati & Ricky N. Bluthenthal

  2. Spirit Rock Meditation Center & Insight Meditation Society, Woodacre, CA, USA

    JoAnna Hardy

  3. Legacy LA, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Maria Lou Calanche

  4. Bienestar Human Services, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Robert Contreras

Authors
  1. Jessica Tobin
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  2. JoAnna Hardy
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  3. Maria Lou Calanche
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  4. Karina Dominguez Gonzalez
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  5. Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati
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  6. Robert Contreras
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  7. Ricky N. Bluthenthal
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Correspondence to Jessica Tobin.

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Tobin, J., Hardy, J., Calanche, M.L. et al. A Community-Based Mindfulness Intervention Among Latino Adolescents and Their Parents: A Qualitative Feasibility and Acceptability Study. J Immigrant Minority Health 23, 344–352 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-020-00985-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-020-00985-9

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