Hands Up, Now What?: Black Families' Reactions to Racial Socialization Interventions

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Heightened national focus on race-related issues necessitates addressing racial discrimination's impact on Black Americans.
• Clinical and community psychologists are developing programs for racial socialization and psychological wellness, targeting disparities in urban and Black communities.
• Existing mental health services often face challenges in utilization, access, and quality within these communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe two applied programs: Engaging, Managing, and Bonding through Race (EMBRACE) and Family Learning Villages (FLVs).
• To address and heal racial stress by engaging proximal systems, specifically families and schools.
• To highlight participant reactions to these culturally-informed interventions.

Main Methods:

• Description of two strengths-based, participatory programs (EMBRACE and FLVs).
• Focus on leveraging Black Americans' inherent protective mechanisms for mental health.
• Inclusion of participant feedback and reactions.

Main Results:

• Programs aim to mitigate racial stress through family and school engagement.
• Strengths-based and participatory approaches are utilized.
• Participant reactions indicate potential for healing and improved psychological wellness.

Conclusions:

• The described programs offer novel solutions for racial stress and discrimination.
• Culturally-specific practices, assessments, and models are crucial for researchers, practitioners, and consumers.
• Further discussion on implementation and effectiveness is warranted for mental health service provision.