Family Influences on Racial Identity Among African American Youth

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of parental efficacy, family coping, and adaptive family functioning on the development of racial identity among African American youth. Fifty-two African American parent-child dyads were participants. Results of a hierarchical regression revealed family adaptability and family cognitive reframing to be significant predictors of racial identity. Findings suggest that intervention programs targeting the racial identity of African American youth should include a parenting/family component that facilitates adaptive family functioning and that helps parents model culturally specific coping strategies for their children.