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A Framework for the Adaptation of Positive Psychological Interventions to North American Indigenous Populations

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Abstract

Positive psychology research has led to the development of brief interventions designed to promote positive emotions: positive psychological interventions (PPIs). Randomized controlled trials examining PPIs have found them to be effective in increasing well-being and decreasing depressive symptoms. PPIs have been studied in samples consisting primarily of White Americans; however, PPIs may be useful for members of North American Indigenous groups. PPIs align well with Indigenous views on health, which tend to be strengths-based, holistic, and encompassing the whole body (including the medicine wheel’s four dimensions of spirit, mind, heart, and body). This paper provides a framework for the adaptation of PPIs for Indigenous communities and a review of preliminary data on the relationships between positive psychological characteristics and health outcomes including substance use. Implications include the potential widespread impact of culturally adapted PPIs given their alignment with Indigenous thoughts on health and relative ease of administration.

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Work on this paper was supported by National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism grant R34AA027619.

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  1. PATHS Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, 142 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA

    Melissa R. Schick, Katelyn T. Kirk-Provencher, Silvi C. Goldstein, Tessa Nalven & Nichea S. Spillane

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Authors Schick and Spillane designed the study, conducted literature searches, and wrote the initial draft of the manuscript. Authors Kirk-Provencher, Nalven, and Goldstein conducted literature searches and extensively edited and reviewed the manuscript. All authors contributed to and have approved the final version of the manuscript for submission.

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Correspondence to Melissa R. Schick.

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Schick, M.R., Kirk-Provencher, K.T., Goldstein, S.C. et al. A Framework for the Adaptation of Positive Psychological Interventions to North American Indigenous Populations. Prev Sci 22, 913–922 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-021-01282-z

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