Stressful Life Circumstances in African American Communities
How does this stress affect black children?
This article looks at a study that focuses on stressful life circumstances and resources to support African American children in the Midwestern United States. The study asked caregivers of African American children between the ages of 8 to 12 who were enrolled in an urban elementary school during the 2011–2012 school year. This school was chosen due to its population being mostly lower-income families.
African Americans can be disadvantaged by the number of stressors at home from health, relationships, work, economics, law-based events, and the systemic institution of racism that can fall into each category. This study’s goal was to see if quality relationships between a caregiver and child could reduce the ability of the child to experience internalized and externalized symptoms of stress.
This study found that students with more emotional support from their caregivers had fewer externalizing symptoms. Additionally, their caregiver reported less oppositional behavior and ADHD symptoms from their child. It showed the importance of helping children process stressful events through discussion and parental support.
Additionally, finding that therapeutic intervention can be beneficial to strengthen…