Showing papers in "Journal of Black Psychology in 2012"
TL;DR: The expectation that identity development is linked to both the reduction of risk behaviors and the promotion of African American adolescents’ healthy development led to the expectation that the formation of many aspects of identity may be an important coping and resilience process for such youth.
Abstract: This article examines the development of African American adolescents' identity using a relational developmental systems theory framework, which led to the expectation that identity development is linked to both the reduction of risk behaviors and the promotion of African American adolescents' healthy development. Different personological theories of identity development were discussed, including Erikson's theory of psychosocial development and Marcia's theory of identity statuses. Developmental systems theory was used to further the literature on African American adolescents' identity development, by integrating various views of identity development as they pertain to these youth. Furthermore, the formation of many aspects of identity may be an important coping and resilience process for such youth. In addition, directions for future research are discussed, including a consideration of the complexity of diversity that exists within the African American adolescent population, and a call for more longitudinal assessments of identity development is presented.
57 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined the relationship between prosocial involvement and race-related factors among 303 African American college students and found that racial discrimination, racial centrality, and private regard were positively related to both dimensions.
Abstract: Prosocial involvement is conceptualized as support for or engaging in behaviors that contribute to or benefit African American communities. The current study examines the relationship between prosocial involvement and race-related factors among 303 African American college students. Using two underlying dimensions of prosocial involvement, prosocial attitudes and prosocial behaviors, models were tested to examine racial discrimination and racial identity as predictors of prosocial involvement. Overall, participants showed strong support for prosocial involvement. Racial discrimination, racial centrality, and private regard were positively related to both dimensions of prosocial involvement. There was also a positive association between nationalist and assimilation ideology with prosocial attitudes. Findings from this study highlight the complexity of prosocial involvement and the relevance of race-related factors among African American college students.
54 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined racist events and three individual coping styles (reflective, suppressive, and reactive) as predictors of involvement in African American activism in a sample of 269 African American women and men.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine racist events and three individual coping styles (reflective, suppressive, and reactive) as predictors of involvement in African American activism in a sample of 269 African American women and men. In addition, it examined the moderating roles of individual coping styles in the racist events-African American activism link. Results indicated that racist events, reflective coping, and the interaction of racist events and reflective coping uniquely and significantly predicted involvement in African American activism, accounting for 33% of the variance. Racist events and reflective individual coping styles were related to involvement in African American activism. Results also supported a moderating role of individual reflective coping styles in the link between frequency of racist events and involvement in African American activism. That is, participants with high reflective coping engaged in more African American activism than participants with low reflective coping w...
52 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that racism is associated with drug use, but that its effects diminish with age, and that psychosocial resources, social safety net factors and culturally specific factors afford African American women some protection against the detrimental effects of racism.
Abstract: Though recent evidence indicates that rates of illicit drug use among African American women are now higher than the national average, little is known about the etiology of substance use in this population. In addition, the effects of racism and other cultural factors are understudied and may be unique amongst African American women. This cross-sectional study explores risk and protective factors for drug use among 204 African American women. More specifically, associations between racism experiences and drug use are investigated in the context of potential moderating influences (i.e., psychosocial resources, social safety net variables, and cultural identity and practices). Findings suggest that racism is associated with drug use, but that its effects diminish with age. In addition, results suggest that psychosocial resources, social safety net factors and culturally specific factors like ethnic community membership and engagement in cultural practices afford African American women some protection against the detrimental effects of racism.
51 citations
TL;DR: Researchers have long been interested in racial attitudes and preferences of young children with a focus on the implications of societal racism on healthy development as discussed by the authors, and the doll study paradigm has been widely used in the literature.
Abstract: Researchers have long been interested in racial attitudes and preferences of young children with a focus on the implications of societal racism on healthy development. The doll study paradigm popul...
49 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that African American adolescents must negotiate the transition to adulthood in a society that makes the achievement of positive cultural identity and self-respect difficult. Frequently, young men turn...
Abstract: African American adolescents must negotiate the transition to adulthood in a society that makes the achievement of positive cultural identity and self-respect difficult. Frequently, young men turn ...
47 citations
TL;DR: This article investigated how multiracial people of African descent experience racism in schools and to understand how their parents or guardians prepare them to cope with incide, and found that their parents and guardians were not prepared to deal with racism in their children.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate how multiracial people of African descent experience racism in schools and to understand how their parents or guardians prepare them to cope with incide...
40 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of parent and peer contexts on drug use among African American adolescents was examined and the relationship between parental attitudes toward drug use and current tobacco and marijuana use was found.
Abstract: This study recruited 567 African American youth (mean age = 15.27 years; 65.1% girls) to examine the role of parent and peer contexts on drug use among African American adolescents. Data were collected on demographics, drug refusal efficacy, drug use, and various psychosocial factors including family and peer factors. When controlling for age and gender, parental monitoring and peer risky behavior completely mediated the relationship between parental attitudes toward drug use and drug refusal efficacy and partially mediated the relationship between parental attitudes toward drug use and current alcohol use. Only peer risky behavior mediated the relationships between parental attitudes toward drug use and current tobacco and marijuana use. Results also revealed several salient moderating relationships. Implications for prevention programs are provided and include strengthening current parenting skills and focusing efforts on fostering the mother-adolescent relationship.
31 citations
TL;DR: For instance, this article pointed out that qualitative research studies are underrepresented in psychology journals and those that are published vary in quality, and called for an improvement in the quantity and quali...
Abstract: Qualitative research studies are underrepresented in psychology journals, and those that are published vary in quality. As such, researchers have called for an improvement in the quantity and quali...
26 citations
TL;DR: In Haiti, the field of formal mental health services, including counseling, is not as strongly developed as in the United States, or other Westernized countries as discussed by the authors, however, service providers in Haiti within the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and social work are moving toward increased organization and structural cohesiveness.
Abstract: Since the devastating earthquake struck Haiti in 2010, all eyes have been on Haiti. In particular, with the influx of foreign psychological and psychosocial efforts, the country’s mental health infrastructure has been under scrutiny. In the context of a strong familial, community, and religious social fabric, the field of formal mental health services, including counseling, is not as strongly developed as in the United States, or other Westernized countries. In the wake of the earthquake, however, service providers in Haiti within the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and social work are moving toward increased organization and structural cohesiveness. This report provides an overview of historical foundations, current context, and future implications surrounding the state of counseling in Haiti.
26 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the relationship between racial identity and risky sexual behaviors among young Black heterosexual men to better inform future HIV prevention interventions and found that more positive feelings toward African Americans and positive attitudes toward being Black predicted fewer sexual partners.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between racial identity and risky sexual behaviors among young Black heterosexual men to better inform future HIV prevention interventions. A community sample of 80 self-identified African American heterosexual men aged 18 to 29 years completed an audio computer-assisted self-interview survey. Bivariate analyses were performed to assess the associations among variables related to demographics, racial identity, and sexual behaviors. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the relationship between racial identity and risky sexual behaviors. Results indicate that more positive feelings toward African Americans and positive attitudes toward being Black predicted fewer sexual partners. The centrality of race was associated with a decrease in the odds of having concurrent sexual partners and marginally predicted increased condom use with a main female partner. Findings suggest that future HIV prevention interventio...
TL;DR: Research on eating disorders has shown that European American women suffer from eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction more than African American women However, recent meta-analyses sugge as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Research on eating disorders has shown that European American women suffer from eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction more than African American women However, recent meta-analyses sugge
TL;DR: This paper examined whether a relationship exists between acculturation and alcohol use among African American college students and if the relationship varies by religiosity and gender, finding that less frequent drinking occurred among marginalists (those who reject both African and Eurocentric U.S. culture), while assimilationists drank more frequently.
Abstract: This study examined whether a relationship exists between acculturation and alcohol use among African American college students and if the relationship varies by religiosity and gender. Most researchers use unidimensional African American acculturation measures that cannot capture the construct’s complexity; this study is the first to use a bidimensional measure. Results revealed a relationship between acculturation and alcohol use. Less frequent drinking occurred among marginalists (those who reject both African and Eurocentric U.S. culture), while assimilationists (those who reject African culture in favor of Eurocentric U.S. culture) drank more frequently. Religiosity and gender also significantly influenced the nature of the relationship.
TL;DR: This article found that ethnic identity, the extent to which one defines one's self as a member of a particular ethnic group, was an important predictor of African American adolescents' psychological and cognitive development.
Abstract: Ethnic identity, the extent to which one defines one’s self as a member of a particular ethnic group, has been found to be an important predictor of African American adolescents’ psychological and ...
TL;DR: The church may be a more conducive setting for weight change behaviors for African American women who are categorized as contemplators in the SOC model, and Pretreatment SOC predicted posttreatment weight loss in the church setting but not in the university setting.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between stage of change (SOC) and behavioral outcomes among African American women entering obesity treatment in two settings. Fifty-five ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conceptualized a two-dimensional framework of African American students' academic contingencies of self-worth and found that self-worth is reinforced by positive achievement but not necessarily diminished by negative feedback in the educational setting.
Abstract: Drawing from existing literature, the authors conceptualized a two-dimensional framework of African American students’ academic contingencies of self-worth. The results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with a sample of African American college freshmen (N = 330) supported this prediction. Self-Worth Dependent academic contingencies were characterized by students’ self-worth being more wholly reliant on academic performance. Self-Worth Enhancing academic contingencies represented linkages between self-worth and academics where self-worth is reinforced by positive achievement but not necessarily diminished by negative feedback in the educational setting. Correlational and multiple regression analyses were used to test relationships between academic contingencies of self-worth dimensions, race-related factors (identity and discrimination experiences), academic outcomes, and psychological outcomes. Findings showed that Self-Worth Dependent academic contingencies predicted less positive belief...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the program outcomes of one community youth project, Leadership Excellence Inc., Oakland Freedom Schools, which is a culturally relevant 6-week program for African American youth.
Abstract: The present investigation considers the program outcomes of one community youth project, Leadership Excellence Inc., Oakland Freedom Schools. Oakland Freedom Schools are culturally relevant 6-week ...
TL;DR: The authors examined the role of parent and preadolescent religiosity in aggression among African American preadolescents with moderate to high aggression and found that higher levels of parent church attendance and pre-olescent intrinsic religiosity predicted lower pre-adolescent aggression.
Abstract: This study examined the role of parent and preadolescent religiosity in aggression among African American preadolescents with moderate to high aggression. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to determine (a) which aspects of parent and preadolescent religiosity (i.e., church attendance, private religious activities, and intrinsic religiosity) accounted for the most variance in preadolescent aggression and (b) the potential moderating role of socioeconomic status. Participants were 157 African American preadolescents (110 males, 47 females) with elevated levels of aggression and their primary caregivers. Results indicated that higher levels of parent church attendance and preadolescent intrinsic religiosity predicted lower preadolescent aggression. The relation between preadolescent private religious activities and aggression was moderated by socioeconomic status. Implications for prevention and intervention among African American preadolescents with elevated levels of aggression are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between prenatal stress and maternal support with postpartum depressive symptoms among African American adolescent fathers and determined whether maternal support buffers the relationship of prenatal stress levels and post-partum depression.
Abstract: This study sought to better understand the ways in which prenatal stress and support from their mother influences postpartum depressive symptoms among African American adolescent fathers. The study’s objectives were to (a) examine the relationship between prenatal stress and maternal support with postpartum depressive symptoms among African American adolescent fathers and (b) determine whether maternal support buffers the relationship between prenatal stress and postpartum depressive symptoms among adolescent fathers. A total of 59 first-time adolescent fathers participated in the study. Results revealed that more prenatal maternal support and lower prenatal stress were predictive of lower levels of postpartum depressive symptoms among fathers. Results did not support the buffering hypothesis for maternal support. This finding suggests that maternal support plays a positive role in the lives of adolescent fathers regardless of their prenatal stress levels. Study findings highlight the need to more broadly...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the effect of social norms and perceptions of risk on student drinking patterns and rates at historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) and found that social norms were two explanatory mechanisms that have accounted for a significant amount of variance in college student drinking at predominantly white campuses.
Abstract: Drinking patterns and rates at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) are not well understood. Social norms and perceptions of risk are two explanatory mechanisms that have accounted for a significant amount of variance in college student drinking at predominantly White campuses. However, these models have not been examined among students who attend an HBCU. Two-hundred and four students from a historically Black university in the Southern region of the United States completed an anonymous questionnaire that assessed their alcohol related behavior, thoughts, and perceptions. Structural equation modeling confirmed the importance of social norms in explaining drinking among the study sample. The overall model accounted for 59% of the variability in alcohol use intensity. Implications for leaders of HBCU campuses and counselors are discussed.
TL;DR: The authors examined whether the adjustment patterns of socially and overtly aggressive preadolescent girls, ages 9 to 11 years, from rural communities differed by ethnicity and found that ethnic variation exists in aggressive and nonaggressive girls' attitudes toward school and satisfaction with their friendships, but no ethnic differences were found in aggressive girls' social adjustment.
Abstract: The authors examined whether the adjustment patterns of socially and overtly aggressive preadolescent girls, ages 9 to 11 years, from rural communities differed by ethnicity. Students were administered a series of questionnaires to assess the degree to which girls engaged in various forms of aggression and to assess aggressive girls’ social, psychological, and academic functioning. Four clusters of girls—nonaggressive, socially aggressive, and moderate and high mixed aggressive—were identified with cluster analysis based on cross-gendered peer nominations of social and overt aggression. Results indicated that ethnic variation exists in aggressive and nonaggressive girls’ attitudes toward school and satisfaction with their friendships, but no ethnic differences were found in aggressive girls’ social adjustment. Socially aggressive and nonaggressive African American girls endorsed greater feelings of disengagement from school than socially aggressive and nonaggressive European American girls. No ethnic diff...
TL;DR: This paper examined the impact of experiences with individual, institutional, cultural, and collective racism on susceptibility to stereotype among African-descent persons within the United States of America (US).
Abstract: The present study examines the impact of experiences with individual, institutional, cultural, and collective racism on susceptibility to stereotype among African-descent persons within the United ...