Is mindfulness one-size-fits-all?: Consulting community members and stakeholders to adapt mindfulness for communities with low-income and economic marginalization

Abstract

Background and purposeAlthough stress is pertinent to all people, individuals with low-income and economic marginalization (LIEM) tend to experience greater psychosocial stressors as well as different relationship stressors than individuals with higher income. While mindfulness may be a particularly useful tool for individuals with LIEM, it has yet to be adapted for this community. Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, the present study conducted focus groups with community members with LIEM to identify effective dissemination strategies. Materials and methodsThirteen individuals with LIEM were recruited to participate in one of two focus groups. The focus groups collected information on how individuals with LIEM cope with stress, how these individuals perceive mindfulness, and how to reduce barriers to participating in a brief mindfulness intervention for stress. Focus groups were transcribed and coded by four coders using thematic analysis within a grounded theory framework. ResultsTwelve themes were identified: movement-based coping, behavioral/tactile coping, interest in mindfulness, familiarity with mindfulness, tangible mindfulness, narrow understanding of practicing mindfulness, relaxing, affiliation, alliance with healthcare facility, storytelling, breaking bread, and mental health treatment stigma. ConclusionThemes derived from the focus groups were discussed with community stakeholders. Findings from this study informed clinical considerations for using mindfulness with individuals with LIEM.