Full title: A Focus Group Study Exploring Mindfulness and Healthy Behaviors among Black Women.
Belinda O'Hagan, Sugandha K Gupta-Louis, Michael Onu, Tayla Von Ash, Briana Roberts, Selena Evora, Khiara Makayla Lee, Kayla Kinsler, Patricia Markham Risica
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities October 27, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-026-03249-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 37 |
| Population | Black women in Rhode Island and Virginia, mean age 54 years |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Black women Eating Health intervention |
| Key findings | Participants distinguished between recommended healthy behaviors and what is feasible, often due to stress, including stressors tied to minoritized identity. Views on mindfulness ranged from no interest to existing integration of mindfulness strategies. Participants recommended that a mindfulness-based intervention for Black women feature women of color as program leaders and account for time limitations from competing demands. |
Abstract
Despite documented benefits of mindfulness related to stress reduction and health promotion, participation among Black women is relatively low. To understand factors influencing the acceptability and potential uptake of mindfulness-based interventions among Black women, formative research is essential to determine whether promoting mindfulness for Black women could foster engagement in healthy behaviors. The current study aims to understand the perspectives of Black women regarding the use of mindfulness to promote healthy behaviors. Five semi-structured focus groups involving Black women (n = 37, Mean Age = 54 years) in Rhode Island and Virginia were conducted to elicit perceptions of mindfulness as a stress-management tool. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using an abductive approach informed by Minority Stress Theory. Participants distinguished between recommended behaviors and what is feasible, often due to experiences of stress. While many stressors were general and not specific to one's identity, others were directly connected to having a minoritized identity. When asked about their engagement of mindfulness techniques to manage stress and engage in healthy behaviors, participants reported a variety of responses, ranging from no interest at all to already having integrated mindfulness-based strategies. Recommendations for a mindfulness-based intervention for Black women included having representation of women of color running the program and considering time limitations due to conflicting demands. While there are barriers to a healthy lifestyle for Black women, results from this study suggest that potential acceptability and perceived usefulness of mindfulness-based strategies among some participants. The effectiveness of such intervention should be assessed as future research.