The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Adapting Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Black American Communities: A Scoping Review

Abstract Objectives Pilot studies have demonstrated the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) with Black Americans. However, qualitative evidence suggests that some participants perceive discordance between mindfulness and religion/spirituality. This presents a potentially significant barrier to MBI engagement given the centrality of religion/spirituality for many Black Americans. This scoping review examines Black Americans’ perceptions of MBIs and adaptations they have proposed to MBIs in relation to their religion/spirituality.

Method: A scoping review search was conducted using PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases. Peer-reviewed journal articles utilizing a qualitative methodology to examine perceptions of mindfulness or MBIs with samples comprised of greater than 75% Black American adults were included. Key study characteristics were extracted and mapped onto a literature table, including sample composition, study design, and themes and adaptations related to religion/spirituality.

Results: The literature search yielded 571 studies, 18 of which met inclusion criteria. Although participants across the studies generally perceived mindfulness as culturally acceptable and potentially beneficial, responses varied in how they viewed mindfulness in relation to religion/spirituality. Some participants viewed mindfulness as complementary to religion/spirituality, while other participants viewed it as potentially conflicting. Adaptations related to religion/spirituality proposed by participants included using culturally familiar language, addressing religious/spiritual concerns, implementing MBIs in churches, and spiritually tailoring MBIs for groups in faith-based settings.

Conclusions: Religion and spirituality are important to consider when adapting MBIs for Black Americans. The themes and proposed adaptations identified suggest areas for future research on aligning MBIs with the religious/spiritual contexts of Black Americans. Preregistration This study is not pre-registered.