#BlackGirlsBreathe: Exploring the Possibilities of Integrative Wellness for Colored Girls

• In Event: 51.059 - Contemplative Practice in Educational Spaces

Abstract

#BlackGirlsBreathe: Exploring the Possibilities of Integrative Wellness for Colored Girls

1. Objectives or purposes

Integrative health is a growing field. Those seeking to solve physical ailments are adding mental, emotional, and spiritual practices to their healing regimen; this integrative approach is even prescribed by doctors. This study captures the impact of the integrative approach of mindfulness and meditation through yoga on adolescent Black girls’ mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.

2. Perspective(s) or theoretical framework

Utilizing the Positive Youth Development Theory as a theoretical framework, this study focuses on the assets and agency of adolescent Black girls in achieving their desired outcomes. The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of 20 federal departments and agencies that support youth, created the following definition of Positive Youth Development (PYD):

PYD is an intentional, prosocial approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances young people’s strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.”
Practitioners, policymakers, funders, and researchers determined that promoting positive asset building and considering young people as resources were critical strategies.

3. Methods, techniques, or modes of inquiry
The purpose of this qualitative study is to capture the impact of integrative wellness practices in the form of yoga, mindfulness and meditation on the mental, emotional, and physical health of adolescent Black girls. I recruited participants from Young Black Women (YBW), an organization that exclusively serves girls of color, as the research site. The organization strives to get girls of color to and through college. Twenty participants, self-identified Black girls between the ages of 13-19, met two times in the fall for a scheduled 90-minute integrative wellness session. Interviews took place two weeks after the session.

4. Results and/or substantiated conclusions or warrants for arguments/point of view

Analyzing group discussion and journals, this study highlights the voices of Black girls as the ultimate knowers and healers in their lives. Developing integrative wellness practices in Black girlhood could support holistic health and wellbeing, and thereby reduce the risk of disease among Black women.

5. Scientific or scholarly significance of the study or work

PYD offers an assets-based approach to exploring how Black girls are choosing to journey toward wellness. Introducing girls to yoga, mindfulness and meditation offers them a way to increase their consciousness and physical wellness, which could lead to success in other areas as well. This work is critical to understanding aspects of wellness for Black girls.

Author

• Adrianne Rochelle Pinkney, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University