Perspectives of Black American Community Members on Well-being (Feeling Good)

Black Americans are underrepresented in research studies about well-being. This underrepresentation can perpetuate and exacerbate health inequities. We used focus groups to explore the perceptions of Black American community members regarding definitions of well-being and facilitators and barriers to well-being. Eight focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Four focus groups comprised of 26 participants produced valid and interpretable data. Transcripts were analyzed, and the findings were grouped into three themes: (a) describing and defining feeling good or well-being, (b) expanding on key dimensions of feeling good or well-being, and (c) capturing systemic and community-level barriers and resources that impact participant well-being. The study results revealed that Black American participants were actively engaged in defining, protecting, and promoting their well-being, as well as the well-being of their families and communities. Specifically, participants identified individual, family, and community as protective factors against negative physical and mental health experiences. Implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are provided.