Evaluating the strengths and challenges of PAX dream makers approach to mental health promotion: perspectives of youth and community members in indigenous communities in Manitoba, Canada

PAX Good Behaviour Game (PAX-GBG) is an evidence-based approach to co-create a nurturing environment where all children can thrive. This school-based approach was identified as a promising intervention for suicide prevention by First Nations communities in Manitoba, Canada. To enhance this mental he...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International Journal of Circumpolar Health
Main Authors: Mariette J Chartier, Ari Phanlouvong, Jonathon Weenusk, Scott McCulloch, Gia Ly, Leanne Boyd, Nora Murdock, Frank Turner, Amanda Martinson, Garry Munro, Jitender Sareen
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2022
Subjects:
Mental health promotion
suicide
children
youth
implementation research
Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine
RC955-962
Arctic
Canada
Circumpolar Health
First Nations
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2022.2089378
https://doaj.org/article/e506658d40fa4ae2b6c9b03d8b9d4548
Description
Summary:PAX Good Behaviour Game (PAX-GBG) is an evidence-based approach to co-create a nurturing environment where all children can thrive. This school-based approach was identified as a promising intervention for suicide prevention by First Nations communities in Manitoba, Canada. To enhance this mental health promotion approach, PAX Dream Makers was developed. It is a youth-led addition to PAX-GBG for middle and high school students. This study’s aim was to examine, from the communities’ perspectives, the influence of PAX Dream Makers on youth as well as its strengths, challenges and suggestions for future improvements. A case study method was conducted using interviews and focus groups with 30 youth and 17 adult mentors and elders. Participants reported that PAX Dream Makers provided support and encouragement to the youth, increased their resilience and provided an opportunity to be positive role models. It strengthened PAX-GBG implementation in schools. Challenges included: adult mentors availability, frequent teacher turn-over and community mental distress. Suggestions expressed were: being mindful of cultural and community contexts, increasing community leadership’s understanding of PAX-GBG and better recruitment of mentors and youth. PAX Dream Makers approach was well-received by communities and holds great promise for promoting the well-being of First Nations youth.

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