Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
SECTION I. INTRODUCTION AND HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Chapter 1. Introduction to African American Psychology
Introduction, Definitions, and Conceptual Frameworks
Historical Perspective on the Psychological Study of African Americans
Study of African Americans in American Psychology
Status of African American Psychology Today
Methodological and Research Issues
Chapter 2. African-Centered Psychology
Introduction to African-Centered Psychology and the Africentric Worldview
African American Psychologists and African-Centered Psychology
African-Centered Research With African Americans
Methodological and Research Issues
Empirically Based Programs in Africentric Psychology
Chapter 3. Self-Attributes and Identity
Introductions, Definitions, and Conceptual Framework
Self-Concept Among African Americans
Identity: Development and Change
Models of Racial Identity
Acculturation, Racial Socialization, Gender Roles, and Masculinity
Methodological and Research Issues
Best Practices for Increasing Positive Racial and Ethnic Identity and Racial Socialization
Chapter 4. Race and Racism
Introduction, Definitions, and Historical Overview
Methodological and Research Issues
Evidenced-Based and Promising Practices for Reducing Racism
SECTION II. SOCIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
Chapter 5. Kinship and Family
Definitions and Historical Background on African American Families
African American Family Structure
What Does the African American Family Look Like?
Strengths, Coping, and Parenting Patterns
Methodological and Research Issues
Evidenced-Based Practices for Strengthening African American Families
Chapter 6. Education and Work
Introduction and Overview
Research on the Educational Experiences of African Americans
Culture and Noncognitive Factors in Education
Perspectives on Work, Career, Vocations, and Employment
Methodological and Research Issues
Evidence-Based Practices for Improving Educational Outcomes
Chapter 7. Neighborhoods and Communities
Introduction and Overview
Demographic and Historical Perspectives on the African American Community
Theoretical Perspectives on Communities
Research on African American Communities
Methodological and Research Issues
Empirically Supported Practices and Policy for Community and Neighborhood Improvement
SECTION III. INDIVIDUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESSES
Chapter 8. Interpersonal and Close Relationships
Introduction, Definitions, and Historical Perspectives
Friendships and Peer Relationships
Interracial Attitudes, Friendships, and Relationships
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Relationships
Methodological and Research Issues
Best Practices for Improving Relationships
Chapter 9. Cognition, Learning, and Language
Introduction, Definitions, and Historical Framework
Methodological and Research Issues
Promising Practices for Increasing Cognitive and Language Skills
Chapter 10. Religion and Spirituality
Introduction, Definitions, and Background
Contemporary African American Churches
Spirituality, Religion, and Well-Being
Methodological and Research Issues
Empirically Based Practices Using Religion and Spirituality
Chapter 11. Life Span Development
Introduction and Definitions
Theoretical Perspectives on the Development of African Americans
Research on the Development of African Americans
Methodological and Research Issues
Best Practices and Promising Interventions for Improving Developmental Outcomes
SECTION IV. ADJUSTMENT AND ADAPTATION
Chapter 12. Health, Illness, and Disability
Introduction, Definitions, and Background
Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Health Care Utilization
Models of Health and Illness Behaviors
Cultural Models of Health and Illness
Selected Health and Illness Conditions Among African Americans
Methodological and Research Issues
Empirically Supported Practices for Reducing Morbidity and Mortality
Chapter 13. Psychosocial Adaptation and Mental Health
Introduction and Definitions
Theoretical Perspectives on Psychological Adaptation and Dysfunction Among African Americans
Data on Mental Health of African Americans
Research on the Role of Culture, Identity, and Discrimination in Well-Being
Methodological and Research Issues
Promising and Evidence-Based Practices for Improving Mental Health Outcomes
Chapter 14. Drug Use and Abuse
Introductions, Definitions, and Historical Perspectives
Current Drug Use Among African Americans
Diversity in Substance Use and Abuse Among Blacks
Causes and Consequences of Drug Use
Methodological and Research Issues
Best Practices for Preventing and Treating Drug Use
Chapter 15. Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior
Methodological and Research Issues
Best Practices for Increasing Prosocial Behavior and Decreasing Antisocial Behavior
References
Author Index
Subject Index