An Integrative Review of Sistah Circles in Empirical Research

Abstract

Sistah circles are spaces shared by Black women who share similar goals, exchange resources (e.g., support), and invest in developing strong relational bonds over time. Considering the significance of sistah circles for Black women's wellness and survival, in this study we examined how this phenomenon has been researched in the social sciences literature and, in turn, offered a more refined conceptual definition and framework that will direct future research on this topic. Specifically, we completed an integrative review of empirical studies on sistah circles using social science databases and search engines to identify relevant literature. Articles included for review met the following criteria: (a) published between 2000 and 2020, (b) analyzed empirical data, (c) were composed of Black women participants, and (d) mentioned Black women groups or friendships. Qualifying sources ( N = 45) were organized into a taxonomy of three types of sistah circles: health-focused, social, and professional. We also analyzed sample characteristics, research methods, and publication trends across all of the articles included in the review. Based upon our taxonomy and results of our review, we highlight the strengths and limitations of the current scholarship focused on Black women's sistah circles and offer suggestions regarding future research and practice. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/03616843231154564

“The State of Your Psyche”: Black Conceptualizations of Mental Health

“…Additionally, each of the arrows extends both to and beyond the orb, representing the bidirectional interaction between the self and environment, and the relationship between physical and metaphysical bodies (i.e., Self and Spirit) prevalent within African diasporic thought (Edwards et al, 2009). Lastly, the Orb's shape reflects sacred circle symbology (i.e., Healing Circles) and its relation to healing in African ontology (Jones et al, 2023). Thus, the Healing Orb functions as a symbol of (meta) physical wholeness and balance, as well as an optical complement to the aims of optimal psychology (e.g., holism, interconnectedness) to support the continued work of recentering Black healing perspectives in the decolonization of Western psychological treatment and research (Consoli & Myers, 2021).…”