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Self-Perceptions of Relations with Parents, Attitudes Toward School, and Delinquency Among African-American, Caribbean American, and Ghanaian Adolescents

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Abstract

This chapter presents findings of a research project that assessed parent–child relationships, attitudes toward school, and delinquency among Black adolescents of African-American, Caribbean American, and Ghanaian ethnic backgrounds. This study describes the similarities and differences between Black adolescents from diverse cultures, nationalities, and ethnic background self-perceptions of their relationships with their parents and their attitude toward school, future orientation, and involvement in delinquent behavior. The purpose of the study is to address the gap in the literature relative to youth of African descent and to offer policy recommendations to address academic and career opportunities for Black adolescents, from a global perspective. Significant associations were between adolescent’s self-perceptions of their relations with their parent(s) (mother and/or father), attachment, and their attitudes toward schooling, future aspirations, and delinquent behavior.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a faculty research grant from Simmons College, Boston, MA. I wish to thank the many people who assisted with meeting appropriate persons at the various schools and programs in order to access subjects for this study.

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  1. Simmons College, School of Social Work, 300 The Fenway, Room P408B, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Beverly C. Sealey Ph.D. (Associate Professor)

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  1. Beverly C. Sealey Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Beverly C. Sealey Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Dept. Human Development, Michigan State University, W. Circle Drive 552, East Lansing, 48824, Michigan, USA

    Deborah J. Johnson

  2. School of Social Work & Dept. of Human D, Michigan State University, E. Circle Drive 509, East Lansing, 48824-1118, Michigan, USA

    DeBrenna LaFa Agbényiga

  3. , Center for Global Change and, Michigan State University, S. Harrison Road 140, East Lansing, 48823-5243, Michigan, USA

    Robert K. Hitchcock

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Sealey, B.C. (2013). Self-Perceptions of Relations with Parents, Attitudes Toward School, and Delinquency Among African-American, Caribbean American, and Ghanaian Adolescents. In: Johnson, D., Agbényiga, D., Hitchcock, R. (eds) Vulnerable Children. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6780-9_7

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