Examining Psychological Openness Through an Intergenerational Arts-Based Mindfulness Intervention Grounded in Indigenous Cultural Strengths: Results from the IndigenousMIND Project in a Northeast Tribal Community
Chase M. Bryer, Marinna C Okawa, Sherente Harris, Jennifer Weston, Dawn Dove, Kelly O’brien, Shufang Sun, Jeffrey Proulx
Clinical Social Work Journal June 16, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s10615-026-01043-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | Tribal citizens from a Northeastern tribal nation |
| Intervention | IndigenousMIND-crafts |
| Duration | Weekend workshops |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Arts-based Intergenerational Indigenous cultural generativity Cultural revitalization |
| Key findings | Cultural crafts fostered openness and affirmed identity, intergenerational engagement enhanced emotional well-being and community connection, and cultural transmission was viewed as a vital responsibility linked to survival and ancestral ties. |
Abstract
IndigenousMIND-crafts is a culturally grounded, intergenerational mindfulness intervention designed for group therapy settings in Native American communities. Piloted with a Northeastern tribal nation, the program paired Elders and youth in weekend workshops that integrated mindfulness practices with traditional crafts such as corn husk dolls and finger weaving. Rooted in the IndigenousMIND framework, IndigenousMIND-crafts emphasized psychological openness, cultural identity, and intergenerational healing. Twenty-four tribal citizens were recruited through community networks and consented via a culturally attuned virtual process. Using Rapid Qualitative Analysis, we identified three key themes: (1) cultural crafts fostered openness and affirmed identity; (2) intergenerational engagement enhanced emotional well-being and community connection; and (3) cultural transmission was viewed as a vital responsibility linked to survival and ancestral ties. Participants described both immediate emotional benefits and a desire for sustained, culturally rooted programming. Findings highlight the potential for IndigenousMIND-crafts to be adapted across tribal contexts, demonstrating how traditional knowledge and mindfulness can be woven together to support therapeutic, culturally affirming care.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 2
- A Systematic Review on the State of the Art of Culturally Adapted Mindfulness-Based Interventions for First Nations Peoples: Cultural Adaptation, Effectiveness, and Feasibility Mindfulness September 1, 2024
- Considerations for Research and Development of Culturally Relevant Mindfulness Interventions in American Minority Communities. Mindfulness August 16, 2017