Evaluation of an Empowerment Self-Defense Program Among Middle School Youth on a Rural Reservation

Bibliographic Data

ID17720984
AuthorsKate M Edwards (0000-0003-1888-7386, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA, corresponding author), Lorey A Wheeler (0000-0001-9975-6702, University of Nebraska–Lincoln), Lorey Wheeler (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), Stephanie Lim (0000-0002-8862-0495, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), Amanda Prokasky (0000-0003-2918-0255, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), J Gayle Beck (0000-0001-6044-3426, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), Vivian Aranda-Hughes (0000-0001-7632-1132, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA), Thalia Wilson (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), Michael Nti Ababio (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), Gabby Miller (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), Skyler Hopfauf (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), Ramona Herrington (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), Preciouse Trujilo (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), Cassandra Saucedo (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA), Bridget Diamond-Welch (0000-0002-0432-039X, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA)
Year2026
Pages10901981251411244-10901981251411244
Publication date2026-01-24
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Education & Behavior (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1090-1981 • E-ISSN: 1552-6127
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10901981251411244
PMID41578940
OpenAlexW7125588169
LanguageEN
References cited28

tests, confidence in resisting an attacker and knowledge of effective self-defense skills increased. In addition, emotional awareness and commitment to education/career success increased. There were no observed changes in connection to culture, depressive symptoms, or in two out of three domains of empowerment; one domain of empowerment (self-love) decreased. These promising findings shed light on additional outcomes, such as emotional awareness and educational/career commitment, that IMpower may impact

Attendance · Empowerment · Fidelity · Indigenous · Positive Youth Development · Program evaluation · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies