Date Approved

6-9-2026

Embargo Period

6-9-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Clinical Psychology

Department

Clinical Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Meredith Jones, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Tenelle Porter, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Bethany Raif, Ph.D.

Keywords

black men;health;mind-body practice;qualitative;religion;spirituality

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

This qualitative study explored U.S. Black men’s perceptions of relations among mind-body practices (MBPs), spirituality, and religion to understand how these factors might influence Black men’s health. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze data from individual semi-structured interviews with 18 Black male MBP instructors. Five themes were generated. The themes were (1) spirit(uality) is the foundation for Black men’s experience of life seen and unseen, (2) MBPs and religion are rooted in spirituality, (3) MBPs, religion, and Black culture share common characteristics, (4) MBPs and religion facilitate holistic wellbeing, and (5) confusion and negative perceptions about MBPs, spirituality, and religion. Findings supported the use of personal, flexible MBPs grounded in African spirituality and indicated that increased knowledge about the interconnectivity among MBPs, spirituality, and religion may help Black men and mental health providers who work with them to use MBPs judiciously. Future researchers may continue to explore this study’s topics among different communities of Black men. A focus on community-based participatory research may empower and encourage Black men to participate in health research.

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