Pacific Cultural Enhancement of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Insights from Clinical and Cultural Experts

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based mental health intervention with a robust body of research substantiating its efficacy, but concerns exist around its applicability to ethnically diverse and under-represented minority populations such as Pacific peoples. Cultural adaptation is important to increase engagement in such populations and frameworks recommend qualitative expert consultation studies to inform preliminary adaptation design. This study aimed to examine the perspectives of two Pacific clinical and cultural experts on MBCT and its potential for cultural adaptation for Pacific populations.

The perspectives of experts in Pacific mental health and culture who had also experienced MBCT were explored using in-depth semi-structured interviews. These interviews were qualitatively analysed using reflexive thematic analysis with the aim of producing a comprehensive, primarily descriptive analysis.

Five themes were identified pertaining to acceptability, cultural adaptation, communication, connectivity, and spirituality. Experts considered MBCT an acceptable mental health intervention that could benefit Pacific communities. Cultural adaptations suggested by experts primarily referred to language, spirituality, and the incorporation of Pacific cultural values and protocols. The group delivery format of MBCT was identified as a potential point of synergy and resonance with the Pacific worldview.

Experts suggest that MBCT is a relevant, compatible, and acceptable intervention for Pacific populations with significant potential for further adaptation. Co-design approaches to cultural adaptation were advocated. Further research is required to examine the perspectives of more diverse and representative Pacific populations as part of the co-design process.

This study is not preregistered because it is a preliminary exploration.