Authors: Hend Saab, Ilse Blignault, Lisa Woodland, Klara Takas, Leissa Pitts
Year: 2017
Event: 2017 TheMHS Conference
Subject: Research & Evaluation Informing Practice,Clinical Issues,Community, Culture, Society
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
Abstract: There is growing literature demonstrating that mindfulness-based interventions help to alleviate a variety of mental health problems and improve psychological functioning. Mental health issues are highly prevalent in the Arabic-speaking community in Australia, with many people experiencing war-related trauma.
This community-based project, conducted in two phases, evaluated the clinical efficacy and cultural acceptability of a mindfulness CD in Arabic. Both phases involved following a 5-week program of guided mindfulness exercises, with participants engaged individually (Phase 1) or in a group setting (Phase 2). Bilingual project officers provided support and encouragement as required. This assisted in enhancing engagement with the program thereby increasing its efficacy.
Phase 1 results showed statistically significant reductions in psychological distress between baseline and 5 weeks and at the 12 week follow-up period, using the K10 and DASS 21. Qualitative data collected in Phase 2 revealed how participants applied their new skills in everyday life and how this helped them. Mindfulness was compatible with participants’ culture and religious practices. Several shared the CD with others. This intervention represents a low cost, effective intervention for a community with poor engagement with mental health services and high rates of trauma.
Learning Objectives
Learning Objective 1: Participants will learn about the clinical efficacy and cultural acceptability of the mindfulness intervention for the Arabic -speaking community.
Learning Objective 2: This topic highlights an effective, low intensity mental health intervention, which has proven to be effective in reducing levels of psychological distress following the 5-week mindfulness program for Arabic-speaking community members.
References
Harris. R. (2013). Mindfulness Skills Vol 1, Learn “Mindfulness” Skills.
Hamdan, F. & Woodland, L. (2016). Arabic Mindfulness Intervention Project Evaluation. SESLHD Project Report.
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