"I'M OPENING MY ARMS RATHER THAN PUSHING AWAY:" PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF A MINDFULNESS‐BASED INTERVENTION AMONG HOMELESS WOMEN AND YOUNG CHILDREN. Issue 3 (2nd May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alhusen, Jeanne L.; Norris‐Shortle, Carole; Cosgrove, Kim; Marks, Lauren
• Is Part Of: Infant mental health journal. Volume 38:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 434
• Page End: 442
• Publication Date: 2017-05-02
• Subjects: mindfulness -- maternal sensitivity -- homelessness -- attachment -- plena atención -- sensibilidad materna -- falta de vivienda -- afectividad -- pleine conscience -- sensibilité maternelle -- problème des sans abri -- attachement -- Achtsamkeit -- mütterliche Sensitivität -- Obdachlosigkeit -- Bindung -- マインドフルネス -- 母親の感受性 -- ホームレスであること -- 愛着 -- 正念 -- 母親的敏感性 -- 無家可歸 -- 依附; Infant psychiatry -- Periodicals; Infant psychology -- Periodicals; 618.9289
• DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21641
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-9641

Abstract

ABSTRACT: 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.