African Americans have been reported to be at an increased risk for stress-related disparities compared to European Americans. Stress has been linked with poor health outcomes such as heart disease and diabetes. These disparities in health are also displayed within psychological symptoms. African Americans have shown to exhibit more debilitating depressive symptoms and thus interventions for stress-reduction are necessary. Mindfulness-based interventions are typically used to treat stress-related outcomes. Mindfulness-based interventions have proven to be helpful in improving blood pressure, reducing depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. However, upon examination African Americans tend to be resistant to engagement with mindfulness-based interventions. Culturally-relevant adaptations have been largely absent from the literature. Due to the lack of culturally-relevant adaptations, it is important that the resistance to participation is examined. African American women use religion and spirituality as one of their most consistent coping practices. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to examine the implications of religiosity as a deterrent for African American women’s participation in mindfulness meditation. This presentation will discussion our results, limitations, and proposals for future research.
