A multi-method exploration of mindfulness as a coping tool: Perspectives from trauma-exposed, unhoused women residing at a drug treatment facility.
Stress and Health August 23, 2022 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3188 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Multi-method qualitative and quantitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 28 |
| Population | Trauma-exposed women experiencing homelessness residing in a state-funded residential drug treatment site in Southern California, United States |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Almost 90% of the women met criteria for probable PTSD and most reported multiple traumas over their lives. The authors report that participants used a variety of coping techniques, had some familiarity with mindfulness, and were optimistic that a mindfulness-based intervention would help, while also identifying challenges to implementation. |
Abstract
Abstract: This multi‐method study examined perspectives on mindfulness and coping strategies used by trauma‐exposed women experiencing homelessness (WEH), residing in a state‐funded residential drug treatment site in Southern California (United States). Questionnaires and in‐depth focus group interviews were utilised to examine traumatic experiences over the lifespan, probable‐posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and coping strategies. Mindfulness was explored as a potential way to improve coping; potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing a mindfulness‐based intervention (MBI) with trauma‐exposed WEH were also investigated. A Community Advisory Board (CAB) was formed to identify key issues experienced by WEH and to develop a semi structured interview guide (SSIG). Using the SSIG, women participated in one of four focus groups (total N = 28; n = 7 per group). Quantitative data on demographic indicators, probable‐PTSD, and trauma exposure were collected. Almost 90% of women met criteria for probable‐PTSD; trauma exposure was exceedingly high; most women had experienced multiple traumas throughout their lives. Four main themes emerged from qualitative analyses, which drew from Grounded Theory and used open, selective, and axial coding: (1) ways of coping with trauma; (2) perspectives on mindfulness; (3) prior experiences with mindfulness; and (4) challenges for conducting a mindfulness programme. Overall, WEH used a variety of coping techniques to deal with their trauma, had some familiarity with mindfulness, and were optimistic an MBI would be helpful, despite identifying several challenges to implementation. MBIs may be helpful adjuncts to traditional care for trauma‐exposed, WEH, recovering from substance use disorder. Population‐specific considerations may improve implementation and participation.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Urban Youth The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine February 25, 2011
- Mindfulness-based programs for substance use disorders: a systematic review of manualized treatments Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy July 29, 2020
- Mindfulness-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: a review of the treatment literature and neurobiological evidence. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience October 2, 2017
- The theoretical and empirical basis for meditation as an intervention for PTSD. Behavior modification November 1, 2012
- Conceptualizing mindfulness and acceptance as components of psychological resilience to trauma. Trauma, violence & abuse October 1, 2011
and 2 more in the library