Marlaina Maddux

"Exploring the Healing-Centered Potential of Culture as Protection for Indigenous Mental Health"

A scoping review was conducted to identify culturally relevant Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) among Indigenous Peoples and summarize the evidence linking PCEs and mental health.The results of the scoping review have informed the proposed dissertation research. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods have been utilized to engage tribal community partners from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe as members of a community advisory board (CAB). The CAB guided the adaptation of a culturally-centered after-school program (ASP) to improve youth self-esteem, resilience, and cultural identity, while reducing and preventing substance use. The objective of Aim 2 is to document the CBPR process of curriculum adaptation with the CAB. The objective of Aim 3 is to evaluate the program for impact and sustainability based on youth participant perspectives gathered through Indigenous qualitative methods. Findings will be shared with the community to build capacity for program sustainability and tools to support long term coping and resilience.