The Effectiveness of a Cultureand Gender-Specific Intervention for Increasing Resiliency among African American Preadolescent Females

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an intervention on strengthening resiliency among African American preadolescent girls using a relational and Africentric focus. The hypotheses were that significant increases in Africentric values, ethnic identity, gender role beliefs, and self-concept would follow participation in the intervention. The target population was African American girls aged 10 to 12 years considered at risk based on socioeconomic context. Fifty-five girls were in the intervention group, and 92 girls were in the comparison group. Intervention participants met once a week for 2 hours for 4 months and engaged in exercises and activities designed to increase feelings of self-worth, Africentric values, and ethnic and gender identity. Findings from analyses of covariances indicated that intervention participants scored significantly higher on measures of Africentric values, ethnic identity, and physical appearance self-concept than comparison participants at posttest. The implications of the findings for prevention programs are discussed. AUTHORS' NOTE: This research was supported by a grant from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) (1HD1 SPO7199). This study reports the results from the first phase (Year 1) of a 2½-year longitudinal intervention. Data used in this study were collected from

Family Support and Mental Health in Pregnant Women Experiencing Interpersonal Partner Violence: An Analysis of Ethnic Differences

“…Although research is limited, some studies suggest that Blacks in general, may be less likely to experience poor mental health than Whites (Adams, 1999;Belgrave et al, 2000;McKelvey & McKenry, 2000;Pickett et al, 1993). For example, Black parents of mentally ill children had higher feelings of self-worth and lower levels of depression than White parents (Pickett et al, 1993).…”

“…Additionally, Black women also reported significantly more support from family members, and they interacted more often with family members, than did White women. Other studies have directly linked family support with psychological well-being in Blacks (Adams, 1999;Belgrave et al, 2000;Coley & Beckett, 1988;Maton et al, 1996;McKelvey & McKenry, 2000;Pickett et al, 1993). For example, using a college sample, Jung and Khalsa (1989) found that perceived family support and ethnicity was related to lower levels of depression in Blacks.…”

The context of resilience among at-risk Bahamian youth

“…In another study, a relational and Africentric-focused intervention was assessed as it related to promoting resiliency in preadolescent African American females (Belgrave, Chase-Vaughn, Gray, Addison & Cherry, 2000). The intervention was aimed to increase self esteem, ethnic identity and Africentric values specifically in girls over a four month period.…”

“…The pretest analysis showed no differences in demographics between those participants who left and those who remained in the study. Africentric values were based on the seven principles of Nguzo Saba, which are: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith (Belgrave et al, 2000). At the end of the intervention period, the girls who received the intervention scored higher on measures of Africentric values and ethnic identity.…”

“…African American preadolescent females and should be considered in preventative efforts (Belgrave et al, 2000).…”