What’s in Your Heart? Development of a Culturally Grounded and Trauma-Informed Parenting Support Program with a Pacific Northwest Tribe

Sara F. Waters (), Meenakshi Richardson, Alvina Marris, Fawn Harris and Myra Parker
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Sara F. Waters: Department of Human Development, Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
Meenakshi Richardson: Prevention Science Program, Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
Alvina Marris: Behavioral Healthcare Program, Coulee Medical Center, Grand Coulee, WA 99133, USA
Fawn Harris: Department of Human Development, Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
Myra Parker: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356560, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-19

Abstract: The aims of the current study included gathering cultural knowledge and stories regarding parenting young children within a Tribal community and learning community members’ perspectives on key components of a promising parenting prevention program. Qualitative data were drawn from a focus group including seven participants and semi-structured phone interviews with 21 additional participants, all of whom were parenting children in the community. Hybrid coding and applied thematic analysis revealed five themes: (1) Desire to Learn and Gain Parenting Skills; (2) Relationships and the Caregiver Role; (3) Culture and Caregiving, which included subthemes of Diversity Among Tribal Bands, Intergenerational Knowledge Sharing, and Reconnection and Revitalization; (4) Historical Trauma and Behavioral Health; and (5) Curriculum Terminology Considerations. The information gathered collectively informed the development of the culturally grounded stim’ aspuʔús ( What’s in Your Heart? ) parenting program. This addresses the great need for culturally grounded interventions to support trauma healing within Indigenous families. The development process and implications for program development by and for Indigenous communities is discussed.

Keywords: Indigenous; program development; culturally grounded; trauma-informed; intervention; parenting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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