Can Cultural Stress Management Programs Help Indigenous Women Reduce Stress?

What you need to know

• A 26-week culturally-inclusive stress management program helped reduce stress levels in Indigenous women
• The program was most effective for younger participants and those with higher education levels
• Cultural components like ancestral songs, dancing, and drumming were integrated with relaxation techniques

The Challenge of Chronic Stress

Imagine carrying the weight of generations of trauma while simultaneously facing present-day discrimination and barriers. This is the reality for many Indigenous women, who experience higher levels of chronic stress compared to the general population. While Indigenous communities have shown remarkable resilience and maintain powerful healing traditions, there’s still a need for additional supports that respect and incorporate cultural practices.

A Culturally-Informed Approach

The researchers developed a unique 26-week program that combined traditional stress management techniques with Indigenous cultural practices. Each session included:

• Relaxation exercises like guided imagery
• Cultural activities such as ancestral songs, dancing, and drumming
• Educational components about managing stress
• Sharing meals together as a community

The program was led by Indigenous facilitators and Elders who ensured cultural protocols were followed and created safe spaces for healing.

Measuring Success

The study tracked two key indicators of stress:

1. Cortisol levels in saliva (a hormone associated with stress)
2. Psychological measures of perceived stress, depression, and trauma symptoms

Participants provided saliva samples and completed questionnaires before and after the program. This allowed researchers to measure both biological and psychological changes.

What They Found

The program showed promising results, particularly in reducing cortisol levels and perceived stress. However, the benefits weren’t uniform across all participants. The intervention was most effective for:

• Younger women
• Those with higher levels of education
• Women without disabilities

This suggests that external stressors like poverty, disability status, and other systemic barriers may impact how well people can benefit from stress management programs.

What This Means for You

If you’re an Indigenous woman experiencing stress, or someone who works with Indigenous communities, these findings suggest:

1. Culturally-inclusive stress management programs can be effective tools for reducing stress
2. Programs should be tailored to address different needs within the community
3. Addressing systemic barriers remains crucial alongside individual stress management
4. Cultural connection itself can be healing and should be central to health interventions

Conclusions

• Combining cultural practices with stress management techniques can help reduce stress levels in Indigenous women
• The effectiveness varies based on age, education level, and presence of disabilities
• While these programs can help build resilience, addressing broader systemic inequities remains essential