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Abstract
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Since the beginning of the 1980s, many urban cities in the U.S. have witnessed an increase in violent behaviors among African-American adolescents, and this trend appears to be gaining momentum. This paper examines Erik Erikson's developmental stage of identity versus identity diffusion and its relationship to African-American adolescents' behavior. In addition, other factors are examined which may be contributing to this phenomenon, and suggestions are offered for therapeutic treatment of this population.
VioLit summary:
OBJECTIVE:
The goal of this study by Garrett was to explore identity problems as a cause for violent behavior among African-American adolescents. Garrett used Erickson's psychosocial developmental theory as a guide.
METHODOLOGY:
A non-experimental critical review of the literature was conducted for the study.
FINDINGS/DISCUSSION:
Drawing on Erickson's focus on identity development, Garrett argued that identity diffusion is an important cause of violence among African-American youth. Erickson stated that without internal and external understanding and acceptance, individuals' attempts to form a healthy identity is thwarted. This was said to result in identity diffusion and personality fragmentation. The author argued that social and psychological dilemmas faced by African-American youth make identity diffusion particularly common among this segment of the population.
Garrett began the article by reviewing research on gangs. Research showed that for females, gangs provide a sense of belonging which is otherwise not available in their family or community. Research showed that the same holds true for males as well. For example, research documented the lack of legitimate opportunities for education and employment for African-American youth in inner city areas. As a result, young African-Americans lacked the social skills, security, and self worth necessary for identity construction and maintenance. Hence, many turned to gangs. However, Garrett recognized that gangs are not the only contributor to violence among African-American youth. For example, the prevalence of violence witnessed by children in their own neighborhoods, in addition to that presented by the media, contribute to identity diffusion. Studies argued that witnessing such violence creates a sense of frustration that is often only relieved by committing violent acts. Overall, the author concluded that there are a number of factors contributing to identity diffusion among African-American youth.
AUTHOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS:
The author suggested an empathic rather than punitive approach to this problem. Policy makers and social services needed to recognize that to reduce the amount of violence in this community requires that educational and employment opportunities be expanded. Moreover, the author recommended programs that teach conflict resolution skills. He especially recommended programs that use trained African-American peer counselors.
(CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado)
Violence Causes
Juvenile Offender
Juvenile Violence
African American Violence
African American Offender
Offender Self-Esteem
Juvenile Self-Esteem
Self-Esteem
Literature Review
Theory
Juvenile Development
Psychosocial Factors
African American Juvenile
Language: en |