"Coming Correct": Conducting Community Engagement Studios to Adapt Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for the Chronic Pain-Depression Comorbidity Among Older Black Adults.
Tony V Pham, Kozbi Bayne, Defne Yucebas, Nia Stewart, Denise Altagracia Taveras, Nomin Enkhtsetseg, Michael Kincade, Ana-Maria Vranceanu
Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-026-10153-0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Older Black adults in Boston (ages 51-84) with chronic pain and mild to moderate depressive symptoms |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | African americans Chronic pain Community-engaged research Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Key findings | Older Black adults with comorbid chronic pain and depression find MBCT acceptable when adapted for cultural resonance, physical limitations, and faith. |
Abstract
Older Black adults experience disproportionately high rates of chronic pain (CP) and depression, yet inequities in access, recognition, and culturally resonant treatment persist. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group intervention for depression with emerging promise for CP. However, adaptations for older Black adults with comorbid CP-depression remain underexplored. Guided by cultural intervention adaptation and community engagement principles, we conducted four Community Engagement Studios with 20 older Black adults in Boston (ages 51-84), all reporting CP (≥ 3 months) and mild to moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 15). Participants reviewed MBCT content and reflected on cultural relevance, barriers, and facilitators. Through thematic analysis of recorded transcripts, we identified themes pertaining to their perceptions of MBCT. Three themes emerged: (1) nuanced acceptance of mindfulness practices when adapted to faith, physical limitations, and language; (2) importance of instructors who are grounded in respect and shared cultural context; and (3) preference for flexible, sustainable delivery (community-based, hybrid options, shorter sessions). Our findings highlight MBCT's feasibility for older Black adults with the CP-depression comorbidity when adapted for cultural resonance, accessibility, and sustainability. Results will directly inform our adaptation of MBCT for the CP-depression comorbidity among older Black adults.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 9
- The Cultural Relevance of Mindfulness Meditation as a Health Intervention for African Americans Journal of Holistic Nursing January 17, 2014
- The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Adapting Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Black American Communities: A Scoping Review Mindfulness August 1, 2023
- Enhancing Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Management: A Systematic Review of Mindfulness Therapies and Guided Imagery Interventions. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) April 23, 2024
- An Open Trial of Telephone-Delivered Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy for Reducing Depressive Symptoms. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice May 2022
- Emotion-related constructs engaged by mindfulness-based interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mindfulness May 2021
and 4 more in the library