Date of Award

Summer 8-31-2025

Document Type

Campus Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

David Pantalone

Second Advisor

Lizabeth Roemer

Third Advisor

Jennifer Webb

Abstract

Background: Black sexual minority women (SMW) experience complex forms of identity-based stress rooted in the intersections of racism, heterosexism, and gendered oppression. While yoga is often promoted as a practice that supports stress reduction and well-being, little research has examined its relevance, accessibility, or cultural responsiveness for Black SMW, or in the context of identity-based stress. This study examines how Black SMW cope with identity-based stress and explores, through the perspectives of both Black SMW and key informants, how yoga may serve as a supportive resource in this context. Methods: This two-phase qualitative study used content analysis to examine interview data. In Phase 1, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 Black SMW (ages 18–54). Themes were developed related to identity, stress experiences, coping strategies, and perspectives on yoga. In Phase 2, interviews were conducted with six key informants—practitioners with expertise in mental health, psychology, yoga, and somatics—who reflected on Phase 1 findings and offered insights for culturally responsive practice. Results: Phase 1 participants described identity-based stress arising across racial, sexual, and gender lines, with stressors occurring in public, professional, and familial domains. They reported both physiological symptoms (e.g., muscle tension, breathing difficulty) and psychological vigilance. Coping strategies included emotion-focused (e.g., music, support, humor), problem-focused (e.g., speaking up, environmental control), avoidant (e.g., distraction, isolation), body-based (e.g., movement, breath work), and cognitive (e.g., mindfulness, perception management) strategies. Participants identified yoga as emotionally and physically beneficial, but noted barriers such as cultural appropriation, lack of racial and body diversity, and lack of autonomy and variations. Phase 2 key informants emphasized the importance of relational, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed approaches.They advocated for practices that affirm bodily autonomy and ancestral lineage, and highlighted the need to attend to the spiritual, political, and communal dimensions of healing. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of culturally responsive and trauma-informed yoga spaces that center the lived experiences of Black SMW. While yoga holds promise as a coping resource, its accessibility and impact are shaped by broader structural and cultural forces. This study contributes to scholarship on minority stress, embodiment, and the role of non-clinical, body-based and community-rooted practices in supporting mental health and well-being among Black SMW.

Comments

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