Talking Circle For Young Adults (TC4YA) intervention: a culturally safe research exemplar

Abstract

<i>Background</i>: As a result of the intergenerational trauma impact and experience, Native Americans continue to exhibit trauma-related issues such as high rates of substance use. After leaving high school, the pressures and stress of continuing an education, finding work/employment, and the responsibilities related to family and tribal community obligations result in the Native American young adult being more vulnerable to substance use.<i>Objective</i>: The purpose of this paper is to report findings of the Talking Circle intervention impact on the outcome variables of Native-Reliance, substance use, stress, and behavioural health, depression, and cumulative trauma.<i>Methods</i>: Native-Reliance was the theoretical underpinning for the study, demonstrating culturally safe research. A pre-test/post-test one-group design was utilised to examine how the Talking Circle intervention influenced the outcome variables. In total, 75 Native American participants, ages 18-24, participated in the Talking Circle intervention sessions. Baseline pre-intervention measures were completed and were repeated at 6-month post-intervention.<i>Results</i>: At 6-month post-intervention, Native-Reliance significantly revealed an increase of 40.55 (<i>t</i> = 22.13, <i>p</i> < .001), sources of stress (SS) revealed a significant decline of 3.68 (<i>t </i>= -18.39, <i>p</i> < .001), behavioural health issues (BH) showed a significant decline of 3.63 (<i>t</i> = -15.36, <i>p</i> < .001), substance-related issues (SR) showed a significant decline of 3.57 (<i>t</i> = -15.24, <i>p</i> < .001), depression (PHQ-9) showed a significant decline of 4.85 (<i>t</i> = -17.02, <i>p</i> < .001), and cumulative trauma revealed a significant decline of 2.77 (<i>t </i>= -13.39, <i>p</i> < .001).<i>Conclusions</i>: The use of a culturally safe Talking Circle intervention evidenced a research approach that resulted in a positive impact on reducing substance use and increasing the well-being of young Native American young adults.<i>Impact Statement:</i> Culturally safer intervention environments are conducive to results in outcomes that are positive and effective.