This week’s readings center around African American families. With this family demographic, it is essential to consider the history as it has caused many barriers and stressors to these families. The African American family has the unique history of slavery and racism, which still impacts families to this day. Compared to other racial groups, African American families have lower rates of marriage, greater rates of divorce, and higher rates of households headed by single parents (Vil et al., 2019). During slavery, marriage between slaves was not recognized and relationships between African men and women were undermined (Vil et al., 2019). This notion and undermining of relationships gets passed down to generations, making a nuclear family structure in the African American community much more challenging and rare.
A study that linked emancipated slaves to their relatives found in the 1800s 49% were living in single parent households with children born out of wedlock, but that number decreased by the 1990s to 20% (Miller, 2018). Although that number decreased, there are still negative impacts of slavery and racism that linger. The cause of single parent households can be related to racial tensions potentially affecting the development of healthy relationships between black men and women (Vil et al., 2019). Despite the negatives that came from slavery, African American families have gained perseverance. Many African American families have developed strong religious beliefs, work ethic, and sense of family (Ruggles, 1994). These qualities have allowed African American families to progress towards healthier and happier family dynamics.
Reflection Questions
Share a cultural or social finding you have learned in clinical practice or from research regarding African American families.
What interventions could you provide as an APRN to address common issues for African American families?
References
Miller, M. C. (2018). Destroyed by Slavery? Slavery and African American Family Formation Following Emancipation. Demography (Springer Nature), 55(5), 1587-1609. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13524-018-0711-6
Ruggles, S. (1994). The Origins of African-American Family Structure. American Sociological Review, 59(1), 136-151. https://doi.org/10.2307/2096137
Vil, N. M. S., Vil, C. S., & Fairfax, C. N. (2019). Posttraumatic Slave Syndrome, the Patriarchal Nuclear Family Structure, and African American Male-Female Relationships. Social Work, 64(2), 139-146. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swz002
African American families have a distinct history shaped by slavery, racism, and ongoing systemic barriers that continue to impact their dynamics. This essay explores the historical context and current challenges faced by African American families and discusses potential interventions that Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) can provide to address these common issues.
One significant finding is the prevalence of non-traditional family structures and lower rates of marriage among African American families compared to other racial groups. African American families exhibit higher rates of single-parent households and greater rates of divorce. This pattern can be traced back to the historical legacy of slavery, where marriages were not recognized and relationships between enslaved African men and women were undermined. The impacts of slavery and racism have contributed to difficulties in establishing and maintaining healthy family structures within the African American community.
APRNs can provide relationship and marriage counseling that is culturally sensitive and takes into account the historical and cultural context of African American families. By acknowledging the unique challenges and barriers faced by African American couples, APRNs can help strengthen communication, improve conflict resolution skills, and foster healthy relationship patterns.
APRNs can play a crucial role in connecting African American families with community support and resources. This may include referrals to community-based organizations that offer assistance with housing, childcare, employment, and education. By addressing socioeconomic disparities and providing access to resources, APRNs can help alleviate stressors and improve overall family well-being.
Providing education to African American families about the historical context of slavery, racism, and the enduring impacts on family dynamics can help promote understanding and resilience. APRNs can engage in culturally sensitive discussions that highlight the strengths and perseverance within African American families, emphasizing the importance of religious beliefs, work ethic, and the sense of community and family support.
Given the higher rates of stress and mental health challenges experienced by African American families, APRNs can offer mental health assessments and interventions. This may involve individual or family therapy sessions, psychoeducation on stress management and coping strategies, and referrals to culturally competent mental health providers. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue and addressing the psychological impact of historical trauma can foster healing and promote family well-being.
African American families face unique challenges stemming from a historical legacy of slavery, racism, and ongoing systemic barriers. APRNs have an opportunity to provide culturally sensitive interventions to address common issues faced by African American families. By offering relationship counseling, connecting families with community resources, providing education on historical context and resilience, and offering mental health support, APRNs can contribute to the well-being and empowerment of African American families. It is essential to approach interventions with sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of the cultural context to ensure the best outcomes for these families.
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