Enhancing resiliency in African-American children: the role of nurses in promoting collaborative relationships with policy makers and community leaders.
Throughout history, the African-American family in the United States has confronted racial and social obstacles to progress, which threaten their self-efficacy and potential ability to promote healthy child development. Though disproportionate numbers still live in poverty, many African-American children prevail despite conditions that are far from ideal. The ability of some African-American children to emerge victoriously from poverty and disadvantage is directly related to the influence of an age-old African heritage. This paper will discuss the significance of the historical background of the African-American family and the African-American community, and their influence on the promotion of healthy child development. Building upon research models that assess the factors fostering resilience in the African-American child, the role of nurses in collaborating with community leaders and policy makers is described.
Thompson
Linda S
LS
Center for Community Partnership for Children and Families, University of Maryland, School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard Street, Room 516, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1579, USA. thompson@son.umaryland.edu
Butler
Georgene
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003256:Community Participation; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005192:Family Health; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012944:Social Support