'The only way out': how self-care is conceptualized by Black women

Discrimination in the lives of Black women often leads to maladaptive coping strategies that negatively influence health. Self-care encompasses practices that promote well-being; however, little is known about how Black women conceptualize and practice self-care.

This article reports qualitative findings from 10 semi-structured interviews conducted with 10 Black women subject-matter experts (SMEs) from throughout the US. There were eight individual interviews with SMEs who provided self-care services/content to other Black women and two group interviews with SME organizations that provided self-care and other wellness programs to Black women. This approach utilized both expert and personal lived experiences of SMEs.

Using the constant comparison analysis method, there was saturation with four concepts that describe the role of structural racism and sexism on the health outcomes of Black women, and the potential for self-care to mediate the negative relationship of these stressors on health. SME practices of self-care overlapped, comprising a 5-part theory of self-care.

Ultimately, self-care may help to combat the impact of structural influences on the health of Black women. Using self-care as a healthier approach to coping with stress can aid in the reduction of health disparities.