Strength in Connection: Adapting Sources of Strength for Predominantly Pacific Islander Communities
A powerful study has provided compelling evidence of the effectiveness of Sources of Strength in promoting student well-being and resilience. This research, funded by the National Institute of Health, highlights not only the program’s success but also the importance of adapting it to align with the local values and needs of predominantly Pacific Islander communities.
With an emphasis on cultural relevance and community engagement, this study further validates the importance of adapting prevention programs to reflect the traditions, relationships, and strengths that are deeply embedded in local communities.
Culturally Responsive Adaptation: Meeting the Needs of Pacific Islander Youth
The success of Sources of Strength in Hawaii is due in part to its flexibility in honoring the rich cultural identity of communities. The program’s core concepts—fostering connection, hope, and resilience—were adapted to reflect key values in Pacific Islander cultures, such as:
- ʻOhana (family and community): Encouraging strong, intergenerational relationships and emphasizing collective well-being.
- Aloha (compassion and mutual care): Strengthening emotional support networks among peers and trusted adults.
- Moʻolelo (storytelling): Using traditional storytelling as a method for teaching resilience and sharing strengths-based messages.
- Kuleana (responsibility and purpose): Empowering students to take responsibility for their own well-being and that of their community.
Key Findings: How Sources of Strength is Making an Impact in Pacific Islander Communities
1. Strengthening Connection and Peer Support
One of the most significant findings of the study was the program’s ability to deepen students’ relationships within their schools and communities. When students feel connected, they are more likely to seek help and support one another.
- Students reported feeling a stronger sense of belonging and trust in their peer networks.
- Peer leaders played a crucial role in spreading positive messages and reinforcing cultural strengths.
2. Elevating Youth as Community Leaders
Sources of Strength is designed to amplify student voices, and the research confirmed that young people in Pacific Islander communities felt empowered to take an active role in shaping a supportive school culture.
- Peer leaders reported greater confidence in sharing messages of hope, strength, and resilience, aligning with traditional leadership values.
- Schools implementing the program saw an increase in student-led well-being initiatives, rooted in community traditions and values.
3. Encouraging Help-Seeking in a Culturally Meaningful Way
The study showed that adapting Sources of Strength to align with Pacific Islander cultural values made it more effective in reducing stigma around mental health and encouraging help-seeking behaviors.
- More students indicated they would turn to a trusted adult, elder, or community leader when facing challenges.
- Schools observed an increase in help-seeking behaviors, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in creating a culture of mutual care and responsibility.
A Model for Strength-Based, Culturally Responsive Prevention
The University of Hawaii research reinforces what many educators and mental health professionals already believe—prevention programs are most effective when they reflect the cultural identities and values of the communities they serve.
This study highlights the impact of Sources of Strength in Pacific Islander schools as an example of how prevention efforts can be tailored to honor cultural strengths while addressing mental health challenges. By fostering connection and equipping students with tools to navigate life’s challenges, we can create school environments that uplift and empower young people.
Moving Forward: Strengthening Schools Through Cultural Adaptation
The findings from Hawaii are a powerful reminder that investing in culturally responsive, strength-based prevention programs creates safer, healthier school communities. Schools looking to implement Sources of Strength can expect:
- A stronger culture of connection and shared responsibility among students.
- Increased willingness to seek help and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health.
- Empowered youth leaders who integrate cultural values into their work to support their peers.
Ready to explore Sources of Strength Secondary Program implementation? Check out these pre-training resources: https://sourcesofstrength.org/pre-training-resources/
To learn more about how Sources of Strength can make an impact in your school, contact us here: https://sourcesofstrength.org/contact-us/ or book a call with our team: https://calendly.com/d/cmw2-666-7rf/let-s-chat-learn-more-about-sources?month=2025-01.
Together, we can build a culture of strength, resilience, and cultural pride for students everywhere.
For more information and to read the full research article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10081526/
Work Cited: Agustin M, Garcia BK, Goebert D, Lyman J, Mah S, Kackley RP, Oh Y. Inspiring hope through sources of strength among predominantly Pacific Islander communities. J Indig Soc Dev. 2021;10(2):54-79. Epub 2021 Nov 2. PMID: 37035579; PMCID: PMC10081526.