Examining Impacts of a Peer-Based Mindfulness and Yoga Intervention to Reduce Interpersonal Violence Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2021
Publication Title
Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research
Volume
12
Issue
1
First page number:
1
Last page number:
17
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the impact of a peer-based mindfulness and yoga intervention to reduce interpersonal violence in a network of young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH). Method: A network of YAEH (n=58) accessing homelessness drop-in services in Los Angeles, CA, completed a baseline and follow-up self-administered survey. After applying a violence minimization machine-learning algorithm to baseline data, 12 YAEH were identified and invited to participate in the Mindfulness and Yoga Peer Ambassador Training for Health (MYPATH). The training consisted of a 3-hour intensive followed by seven weekly 1-hour sessions. The training introduced mindfulness and yoga as tools and practices to increase emotion regulation and reduce impulsivity in the context of interpersonal and community violence. Follow-up data were collected 2 months after baseline. Results: Results revealed increased trait mindfulness (i.e., a tendency or trait rather than a particular practice or in-the-moment experience), increased mindfulness and yoga practice frequency, and reduced violence-engagement behaviors in the network of YAEH. Conclusions: The current study provides preliminary support for the effectiveness of the intervention in decreasing network-level violence and demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a peer-based intervention to promote mindfulness and yoga practice in a network of YAEH.
Keywords
Homelessness; Violence; Mindfulness; Yoga; Intervention research
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Recreational Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work
Language
English
Repository Citation
Petering, R.,
Barr, N.,
Srivastava, A.,
Onasch-Vera, L.,
Thompson, N.,
Rice, E.
(2021).
Examining Impacts of a Peer-Based Mindfulness and Yoga Intervention to Reduce Interpersonal Violence Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness.
Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 12(1),
1-17.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/712957