Vivian Oystrick, Laurentian University, Greater Sudbury, ON (Canada)

This presentation will discuss a qualitative research study exploring the positive benefits of an arts-based mindfulness group intervention for adolescent mothers. Thematic analysis led to the development of themes relating to connections with others, new ways of coping, and improved awareness. Finding suggest arts-based mindfulness methods are an engaging and beneficial way to help adolescent mothers develop supportive relationships, positive coping strategies, and improved awareness.

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Presentation Description:

Many adolescent mothers experience high levels of psychological distress due to social disadvantages, adversities, and limited supports (SmithBattle and Freed 2016). As a result, achieving maternal sensitivity can be a challenge for many adolescent mothers due also to their developmental stage, and the stresses present in their lives (Dhayanandhan and Bohr 2016). Given the risks associated with adolescent mothering and the impact on their children’s developmental functioning, it is imperative that intervention programs are implemented to support these young mothers (Barlow et al., 2011). My novel research explored the feasibility, suitability, and benefits of an arts-based mindfulness intervention for adolescent mothers. This is a qualitative research study situated in a constructivist–interpretivist research paradigm that applies a social constructivism epistemology. Also, the theories of social ecology and resilience are applied as frameworks to guide the method of inquiry and to help make sense of the complex social phenomenon of adolescent parenting. Nine adolescent mothers participated in a 12-week arts-based mindfulness group intervention (HAP). Data collection methods including group discussions, semi-structured private interviews, and arts-based methods were used to explore the mother’s experiences in the program, and to what extent they understood/applied mindfulness concepts to their parenting. Interpretative thematic analysis led to the development of themes relating to (a) connections with others, (b) new ways of coping, and (c) improved awareness. The findings suggest that arts-based mindfulness group interventions are an engaging and beneficial way to help adolescent mothers develop supportive relationships, positive coping strategies, and improved awareness of themselves and their children. My presentation will describe the outcomes of this study and recommendations for future research and practice with adolescent mothers. Also, the benefits of using a strength-based group work approach with this population will be presented. Attendees will learn strategies for engaging adolescent mothers in arts-based mindfulness methods and examples of how to facilitate the arts-based activities will be provided to enhance learning. The attendees will also learn how arts-based methods were used as a data collection method to explore the participants experiences in the program in a reflective and meaningful way.

References:

• Barlow, J., Smailagic, N., Bennett, C., Huband, N., Jones, H., & Coren, E. (2011). Individual and group based parenting programmes for improving psychosocial outcomes for teenage parents and their children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002964.pub2
• Dhayanandhan, B., & Bohr, Y. (2016). The role of identity development in moderating stress and promoting dyadic sensitivity in adolescent mothers. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science / Revue Canadienne Des Sciences Du Comportement, 48(1), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1037/cbs0000038
• SmithBattle, L., Chantamit‐o‐pas, C., Freed, P., McLaughlin, D., & Schneider, J. K. (2017). Moms growing together: Piloting action methods and expressive arts in a therapeutic group for teen mothers. Journal of Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 30(2), 72–79. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcap.12172