MYPATH: A novel mindfulness and yoga‐based peer leader intervention to prevent violence among youth experiencing homelessness

Abstract

Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) are at elevated risk for violence victimization and perpetration. However, there are no evidence-based violence prevention interventions for homeless populations. This study is an evaluation of a novel mindfulness-based peer-leader intervention designed to reduce violence and improve mindfulness in YAEH. A social network of YAEH receiving services at a drop-in agency was recruited in Summer 2018 (n = 106) and peer-leaders identified at baseline (n = 12). Peer leaders were trained in mindfulness and yoga skills during a 1-day intensive workshop and seven 1-h weekly follow-up workshops and encouraged to share their knowledge with in-network peers. Postintervention data were collected 2 and 3 months after baseline. Two oneway repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) tested differences in means for mindfulness and fighting. ANOVA models showed significant increases in group mean mindfulness F(2, 110) = 3.42, p < 0.05 and significant decreases in group mean violent behavior F(2, 112) = 5.23, p < 0.01 at the network level. Findings indicate a networkbased, peer-leader model can be effective for influencing complex, socially conditioned attitudes and behaviors among YAEH.

Actionable research for understanding and addressing homelessness

“…In their participatory study, Eaton et al (2021) find that creating a "culture of care" in shelters is integral to recovery from the trauma of homelessness and preparing for reintegration into the community. Erangey et al (2021) argue for a reorientation of service delivery that promotes self-directed change as opposed to prioritizing program-directed outcomes and like Barr et al (2021), point to the value of peer support that is based in relationship In addition to including people with lived experience in homelessness research and practice, this special issue points to the need for understanding unique experiences and trajectories for subgroups of people engaged in housing and support services (Lei & Brown, 2021). The articles in this issue address a wide range of subpopulations, including individuals who have experienced domestic violence (Chiaramonte et al, 2021), Indigenous groups (Ansloos et al, 2021), youth (Ansloos et al, 2021;Barr et al, 2021), single mothers (Brott et al, 2021), urban and rural populations (Brott et al, 2021;Gleason et al, 2021), and transgender and gender diverse groups (Vandenburg et al, 2021).…”

“…In their participatory study, Eaton et al (2021) find that creating a “culture of care” in shelters is integral to recovery from the trauma of homelessness and preparing for reintegration into the community. Erangey et al (2021) argue for a reorientation of service delivery that promotes self‐directed change as opposed to prioritizing program‐directed outcomes and like Barr et al (2021), point to the value of peer support that is based in relationship…”

“…In addition to including people with lived experience in homelessness research and practice, this special issue points to the need for understanding unique experiences and trajectories for subgroups of people engaged in housing and support services (Lei & Brown, 2021). The articles in this issue address a wide range of subpopulations, including individuals who have experienced domestic violence (Chiaramonte et al, 2021), Indigenous groups (Ansloos et al, 2021), youth (Ansloos et al, 2021; Barr et al, 2021), single mothers (Brott et al, 2021), urban and rural populations (Brott et al, 2021; Gleason et al, 2021), and transgender and gender diverse groups (Vandenburg et al, 2021). Addressing the diversity of barriers, pressures, and necessary supports for people living in extreme poverty is critical to engaging and changing systems that disproportionally impact historically marginalized communities.…”

Equitable Mindfulness: The practice of mindfulness for all

“…Benefits in the child's behavior were seen when the child modeled behaviors from their mother's, which were developed through mindfulness practice (AIhusen et al, 2017). Barr et al (2021) proposed a model that incorporated peer leaders as facilitators of a mindfulness and yoga‐based program for youth experiencing homelessness. They found promising results in the reduction in violent behaviors.…”