Community-Based Participatory Research in the Rural Educational Setting: A Trauma-Informed Pilot Study

• In Event: The Place of Holistic Education in Schooling

Abstract

The aim of this study was to improve the mental and physical health outcomes for high school students in rural Montana through a school-based trauma-informed yoga intervention. Given the prevalence of adolescent suicide, substance abuse, and mental health issues in this state, this project was intended to mitigate factors that contribute to poor adolescent physical and behavioral health. Outcomes were assessed through the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents, the General Anxiety Disorder scale, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, qualitative data, and collection of salivary cortisol at pre- and mid -intervention time points. Study results indicated significant differences between pre- and post-scores for the GAD-7, PHQ-A, and overall SDQ scores.

Authors

• Lauren Davis, Montana State University

• Alexandra Aylward, Montana State University

• Rebecca Buchanan, Emory & Henry College