Translating Research into Protective Processes in African American Families: Buffering Effects of Race Related Experiences

Velma McBride Murry, Phd
Vanderbilt University

ABSTRACTS:
Discrimination has been linked to mental health disparities for African American parents and adolescents. Data from longitudinal studies of the Family and Community Health Study (FACHS) identified salient processes in African American families that have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting positive development among youth, including protective processes that buffer youth from the negative consequences of racial discrimination. These research findings were translated into the design, development and implementation of two RCT, with demonstrated efficacy and effectiveness in preventing the onset and escalation of substance use and risky sexual practices.  Recent analyses of these programs have shown spillover effects on several other outcomes and may hold for addressing the racial/ethnic disparities gap.  This presentation will highlight findings from several analyses of the Strong African American Families (SAAF) and Pathways for African American Success (PAAS) Programs in their effectiveness in inducing positive changes in a wide spectrum of behavioral and developmental beyond those targeted in the programs, with emphasis on the protective nature of adaptive racial socialization.