Coping With Youth Violence: Assessments by Minority Parents in Public Housing

Donna E. Howard, DrPH; Linda Kaljee, PhD; Laura T. Rachuba, MA; Sheila I. Cross, MA

Objectives: To present the views of predominantly African American public housing residents as they discuss violence prevention. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted with 38 parents of adolescents. Data were analyzed inductively and in relation to an appraisal-coping theoretical framework. Results: Parents enumerated cues that signaled neighborhood danger and signs and symptoms that suggested youth distress. Narratives reflect both ad hoc and systematic coping responses to incidences of violence that involve their children. Conclusions: Parents used a variety of coping strategies and diverse resources such as personal skills, family strengths, and community agencies in an attempt to decrease youth exposure and involvement in violence.
Key words: African American, violence, coping, parenting
Am J Health Behav 2003;27(5):483-492