Using Structural Family Therapy to Understand the Impact of Poverty and Trauma on African American Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is a period in which there are many challenges due to the rapid changes in an adolescent’s mind, body, emotions, and role expectations. Living in poverty and experiencing trauma exacerbate this challenging time. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the available research surrounding African American adolescents who have experienced poverty and trauma. Additionally, the goal was to examine the literature on African American adolescents who experienced poverty and trauma conceptualized through the lens of structural family therapy. Clinical implications are provided, and additional research directions within the field of marriage and family therapy/counseling are offered with respect to the intersection of trauma, poverty, protective factors, and African American adolescents and their families.

Keywords

African American adolescents marriage and family therapy poverty structural family therapy trauma

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