Utility of an African-centered support group for African American men confronting societal racism and oppression.

Abstract

African American men suffer from the chronic stressor of living in a racist and oppressive society. This condition has historical roots dating back to enslavement and deportation from Africa to America. The psychological and physical difficulties that this group suffers from as a result of both the direct and the indirect influences of this chronic stressor have been well documented. However, a recent review of the literature revealed that not one article has been published in any of the major psychology journals that describes treatment issues or case studies focusing on this issue. This case study outlines the use of an African-centered group approach to helping African American men develop effective coping skills to successfully ameliorate the impact of societal racism and oppression on their lives.