“I'M OPENING MY ARMS RATHER THAN PUSHING AWAY:” PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF A MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTION AMONG HOMELESS WOMEN AND YOUNG CHILDREN: Perceived Benefits of a Minfulness Intervention
Infant Mental Health Journal
Short Title:
“I'M OPENING MY ARMS RATHER THAN PUSHING AWAY
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
2017/05//
Pages:
434 - 442
Sources ID:
68861
Collection:
Mindfulness, Diversity, and Social Justice
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
Family homelessness is associated with adverse outcomes in mothers and their young children. Evidence‐based programs are needed to support the socioemotional needs of these families. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceived benefits of participating in a mindfulness program in mother–child dyads receiving services at a therapeutic nursery serving homeless children under the age of 3 years. A convenience sample of 17 predominantly African American mothers participated in in‐depth qualitative interviews. Four themes were derived from the data regarding the perceived benefits of the mindfulness program: “me” time, maternal self‐regulation, dyadic connectedness, and child well‐being. Results demonstrate the perceived benefits of mindfulness on the parent–child relationship and have important implications for families at an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Because homelessness and residential instability confer considerable risk for young children, interventions to support effective parenting are critical.