Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research
Volume 45, Issue 2, 2018, Pages 280-291

Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma (ALMA): an Evaluation of a Mindfulness Intervention to Promote Mental Health among Latina Immigrant Mothers (Article)

Ryan D. , Maurer S. , Lengua L. , Duran B. , Ornelas I.J.*
  • a Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • b Department of Women Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • c Center for Child and Family Well-Being, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • d School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • e Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

Latina immigrants are at increased risk for poor mental health. Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma (ALMA) is a group-based intervention to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among Latina immigrants. Based on participants’ feedback and growing evidence supporting mindfulness as a way to reduce stress and improve mental health, additional sessions of the ALMA intervention were developed and pilot tested to provide more training on mindfulness as a coping strategy. The feasibility and potential efficacy were evaluated in a community sample using a pre- and post-test study design. Findings suggested that women were satisfied with the sessions and used mindfulness strategies they learned in their daily lives. The program also reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety (19% reduction in mean depression scores and 26% reduction in mean anxiety scores). Further evaluation is needed to test the efficacy of the intervention. © 2017, National Council for Behavioral Health.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

anxiety depression mindfulness health promotion mental health human middle aged Stress, Psychological mental stress coping behavior comparative study Adaptation, Psychological procedures Washington Hispanic Americans interview Humans migrant psychology Hispanic Treatment Outcome Interviews as Topic Emigrants and Immigrants female psychological rating scale evaluation study Psychiatric Status Rating Scales Mothers patient satisfaction mother adult
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85038356126&doi=10.1007%2fs11414-017-9582-7&partnerID=40&md5=eec4e9eb994a885742a5eaa5fdaadfc8
DOI: 10.1007/s11414-017-9582-7
ISSN: 10943412
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English