Talking Circle to support Native American youth wellbeing
Talking Circle for Native American Youth Living Well (A Yo Li)
Culturally based Talking Circle groups in schools help Native American kids around age 10+ build coping skills, stay connected to their culture, and improve mental and emotional health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145444 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join school-based Talking Circle sessions led by trained facilitators and Tribal Elders that use Native language, stories, and cultural practices. Sessions focus on coping skills, emotional support, and reducing substance use and suicidal thoughts. The project offers these groups in both rural and urban communities and follows participants over time with short surveys and check-ins. Families and schools may be involved, and participation usually happens during or after the school day at nearby sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Native American youth approximately 10–18 years old who attend participating schools or community sites and are willing to take part in Talking Circle sessions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not Native American, who do not live near participating sites, or who need immediate intensive psychiatric care may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide risk by strengthening cultural connections and practical coping skills.
How similar studies have performed: Previous school-based Talking Circle and culturally grounded programs have shown promise in improving youth mental health, though broader testing across diverse communities is ongoing.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lowe, John R., Rn, Phd, Faan — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Lowe, John R., Rn, Phd, Faan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.