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Racial socialization and Black families

4/4/2022

 
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Decades of research have explored how racism affects the mental health and functioning of Black children. In an article published in the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, the authors discuss that Black youth may experience discrimination and racism but still be resilient and experience positive outcomes (Jones & Neblett, 2017). The question that may come to mind is “how can someone experience racism and not have negative effects such as depression or low self-esteem”?

Psychology researchers have discussed the importance of having the “race talk” or engaging in racial-ethnic socialization (RES) for many years. RES involves teaching children about their racial and ethnic heritage, as well as, preparing them to cope with discrimination (Hughes et al., 2006; Jones & Neblett, 2017). The article by Jones and Neblett (2017) demonstrates that engaging in racial and ethnic socialization improves academic performance, decreases depression symptoms, reduces problem behaviors, and provides positive racial identity attitudes among Black youth. By talking with children about racism, researchers note that Black parents prepare their children to overcome adversity by “challenging stereotypes and allowing Black youth to view their racial identity more positively” (e.g., Jones and Neblett, 2017).
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Recently, several events in society have provided some examples to promote racial pride among Black youth. For example, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is the first Black woman to be nominated to serve on the US Supreme Court (See article on NBC News). Although RES also focuses on preparing kids to deal with or experience racism, parents should be sure to teach children positive aspects of their identity such as notable figures, cultural holidays, and important family traditions. 

Ways to Promote Racial Socialization

There are many ways to promote racial socialization. The American Psychological Association released a
tool-kit to help parents engage in healthy communication about race and racism. This resource is particularly important given the continued rise of racism and discrimination in America. Here are a few tips to consider: 
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1. Be prepared to manage your emotions and help your child cope.
  • Children often pick up on the behaviors of adults and repeat those. It’s important to model effective ways to cope with disappointment or anger.
2. Use activities, books, or movies to talk about racial differences.
  • Don’t feel pressured to have all of the answers. By exposing children to books or museums it can help share information and start conversations. 
  • For book suggestions, check out this book list curated by Dr. Earl Turner (psychologist and founder of Therapy for Black Kids). 
3. Be intentional to teach kids about the positive aspects of their identity.
  • For example, you can read books that highlight Black beauty or expose them to key figures/activists that have made important contributions to our community. ​


Note: A version of this post was authored by Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D. for Psychology Today. 

Sources:
Hughes, D., Rodriguez, J., Smith, E. P., Johnson, D. J., Stevenson, H. C., & Spicer, P. (2006). Parents' ethnic-racial socialization practices: a review of research and directions for future study. Developmental Psychology, 42(5), 747-770.

Jones, S. C., & Neblett, E. W. (2017). Future directions in research on racism-related stress and racial-ethnic protective factors for Black youth. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 46(5), 754-766.

Photo by My Networking Apparel on Unsplash


HOw to talk with kids about racism

2/1/2021

 
Racism and discrimination have occurred in America for decades. Yet it can still be difficult to talk with kids about these issues. However, we know that having healthy conversations are important.

Why The “Race Talk” Is Important 
 
Decades of research document the importance of racial and ethnic socialization [1]. For many parents of color, having the race talk is a natural progression of parenting a child in America. However, these conversations can be difficult for both the parent(s) and the child. Especially with the backdrop of events such as discrimination, racist comments displayed on social media, or witnessing direct exposure to microaggressions (subtle messages degrading people from minoritized groups).
 
Tips on Having the Race Talk
 
In a previous post published by the American Psychological Association’s Public Interest Directorate, I discussed several ways to engage in conversations with youth about race and racism. For example, the following tips were noted: 
  • Before providing children with your opinion and beliefs about injustice, allow your child the opportunity to give their point of view. For parents of color, children may also need help in developing coping skills for dealing with racism and discrimination they will encounter in the world.
  • Keep things simple. As adults we are so used to interacting with other adults that we forget that young children do not view the world in terms of stereotypes, discrimination, and race. Young children view the world in far simpler terms.
  • It is important to monitor your negative emotions and “passion” surrounding racism and injustice around your children. Although it may be counter-intuitive (or feel unnatural), displaying your negative frustrations without resolution will not help your child be resilient.
  • Be mindful of inappropriate racial socialization. Studies have found it to lead to increased anger among African American youth. One study found that African American boys who reported receiving frequent messages about racism they also reported higher levels of situational anger [2]. It is possible that through socialization these boys were made aware of the unfair treatment experienced by African Americans, but were not given corresponding messages regarding appropriate ways to manage the anger that results when one feels unjustly treated.
 
Written by Erlanger “Earl” Turner, Ph.D.
 
Sources: 
[1] Hughes, D., Rodriguez, J., Smith, E. P., Johnson, D. J., Stevenson, H. C., & Spicer, P. (2006). Parents' ethnic-racial socialization practices: a review of research and directions for future study. Developmental Psychology, 42(5), 747-770.
[2] Stevenson, H. C., Reed, J., Bodison, P., & Bishop, A. (1997). Racism stress management: Racial socialization beliefs and the experience of depression and anger in African American youth. Youth & Society, 29(2), 197-222.


Dr. Earl discusses racism and mental health on ABC7 Los Angeles

    This blog is maintained by Therapy for Black Kids. 

    Content has been reviewed by Dr. Earl Turner. Dr. Earl is a clinical psychologist and founder of Therapy for Black Kids. 

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