New Paradigm Shift: Promotion of Health and Wellness Vs Risk in Studies of African American Families and Youth

Despite the numerous challenges that most African American youth confront, growing up in a society in which they and their families continue to be marginalized, many are able to survive and thrive. Yet, the studies of African American youths’ adjustment and development are primarily problem-focused, highlighting risk engaging behaviors and disparities, including academic outcomes and behavioral health, namely conduct/delinquent problems and early sexual initiation and substance/drug use to the shortcomings of youth and their families. On the other hand, strength-based studies have discovered that African American families are creating adaptive approaches and strategies to effectively navigate and prepare their children live productive lives. Prevention scientists have been encouraged to harness these protective processes in the design, development, and implementation of culturally relevant and tailored programs. However, the mechanism through which parents, or other significant adults in African American youths lives, are able to influence their behavior by promoting positive development and adjustment as they transition from childhood to young adulthood needs further exploration. Using data from parents and their sons, who participated in the Family and Community Health Study (FACHS), a multisite, multiple panel study of neighborhood and familyeffects on health and development, this paper will –1) identify potential preventive intervention targets that foster adaptive coping processes among African American youth as they transition from middle childhood to young adulthood; and 2) highlight strategies and approaches for conducting research studies and implementing preventive interventions that target African Americans, recognizing the advantages of promotion of health and well-being over the perpetuation of risk.