‘It's medicine to me’: Examining coping resources and strategies utilized in the sweat lodge ritual experience to improve health of Mexican Americans

Abstract

This study contributes a critical Indigenous-based framework to minority stress process theory to study Mexican American health and well-being. Using qualitative methodology, we examine how a sense of connection to Indigeneity and group singing and drumming cultivated within sweat lodge experiences buffer stress and improve the well-being of Mexican Americans. We draw from 52 in-depth interviews with Indigenous-identifying Mexican American adults from disadvantaged positions, who collectively participate in sweat lodge ceremonies throughout Los Angeles and the Central Valley of California as part of their communities of practice. Findings reveal: (1) sweat lodges are sacred spiritual ceremonies that enhance participants’ sense of connection to Indigenous identity, ancestry, and culture; (2) this connection serves as a symbolic and active coping strategy vis-à-vis singing and drumming during sweat lodges; (3) singing and drumming helps moderate stressors by stimulating symbolic memory and positive emotions that help regulate negative emotions; and (4) all of this results in perceived improved well-being, though it varies in duration based on the symbolism and emotional energy derived from the ritual experience as reported by respondents. The study demonstrates how Indigeneity is a coping resource and Native singing and drumming are coping strategies that enhance positive emotions during sweat lodge ceremonies, which helps ameliorate stress to improve the overall well-being of Mexican American participants. We conclude by discussing implications for interventions to strengthen positive coping and health in Mexican Indigenous communities.