Full title: A Focus Group Study Exploring Mindfulness and Healthy Behaviors among Black Women

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.