African American Children and Mental Health [2 volumes] : Development and Context; Prevention, Intervention, and Social Policy

This groundbreaking two-volume set examines the psychological, social, physical, and environmental factors that undermine or support healthy development in African American children while considering economic, historical, and public policies. How does one go about shifting the psychology of a people whose sense of worth, purpose, and potential have been denigrated and disenfranchised for decades? What specific factors conspire to douse African American children's dreams before they reach adolescence? And what can we learn from African American families determined to help their children beat the odds and succeed? This unique two-volume set examines the forces affecting psychological development and achievement motivation in African American children today. These books address the current political, global, economic, and social contexts as they impact African American families and tackle the tough issues of genes, environment, and race. Experts from leading universities, research institutes, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations discuss factors such as parenting beliefs and practices, peer influences, school and community environments, racial profiling, race and ethnicity, spirituality, and immigrant status. * Includes history, current events, psychology, politics, public policy, sociology, economics, and more * Details intervention programs that target parents and children in low-income African American families; strategies to support young African American male relationship development, motivation, and achievement; and programs aiming to increase literacy and decrease obesity * Examines the impact of the No Child Left Behind Act on African American children * Includes both a subject and author index to facilitate further research