Acceptability of Making Mindfulness Matter (M3): A Community Based Program For Families Experiencing Adversity
Abstract
This study utilized a mixed methods sequential embedded design to explore the acceptability of Making Mindfulness Matter (M3), an eight-week, concurrent intervention for families who have experienced adversity, from the parent’s perspective. M3 incorporates education and skills development around mindfulness, social-emotional learning, positive psychology, and neuroscience. Participants were 74 families, with children ages four to nine, who participated in the M3 program at a family support and crisis centre. Frequency data was collected for attendance and skills use between sessions. An inductive content analysis was used to identify the key themes pertaining to parent’s experience with the M3 program. The analysis identified nine themes related to the areas in which parents perceived M3 to be helpful. These themes and findings and their implications are discussed, as are recommendations for future research directions. Findings across all three domains strongly support the acceptability of the M3 program with this population.