Rural African Americans’ Family Relationships and Well-Being

Abstract

Despite progress and achievement since the post-civil rights era, many African Americans are disproportionately poor, lack quality education, are under- and unemployed, and are in poor health. Recent changes in rural spaces due to structural economic transformations and environmental shifts have created conditions reflective of “rural ghettos.” While such conditions take a toll on rural African American families, many are able to muster the energy and wherewithal to overcome these challenges and raise healthy children. Yet, the processes by which families are able to negotiate and navigate these stressful environments are not well understood. In this chapter, we draw on contextual-driven theories as well as strength-based conceptual models to synthesize research on how rural spaces influence and are influenced by family processes and functioning of African American families. This information can inform and guide prevention strategies and policies. We highlight findings from two family-based preventive intervention efficacy trials as case studies: (1) a universal preventive intervention program designed to enhance protective processes in rural African American families that foster positive developmental outcomes in their children and (2) an investigation of African American fathers’ social experiences and involvement in their children’s lives. Each of the studies was designed within the unique context of rural African American communities in mind.