I Am E.N.O.U.G.H: A Self-Esteem Based Group Curriculum for Black Adolescent Girls - PowerPoint Presentation

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I Am E.N.O.U.G.H: A Self-Esteem Based Group Curriculum for Black Adolescent Girls Victoria McNeilDepartment of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Racial identity and levels of racial discrimination and racism have been shown to closely impact self-esteem among Black Americans. More than 90% of Black Americans have experienced racist events during their lifetime and many come into contact with racism daily. As being female and being Black both increase a young woman’s risk for developing low self-esteem, racism and sexism cause Black girls to face brutal stressors. Given the multiple negative consequences associated with low self-esteem among Black adolescent girls, research suggests that gender specific intervention programing aimed at strengthening self-esteem be developed and implemented during adolescence. (Armstrong & Shen, 2008; Chao, Dasgupta, Fear, Longo & Wang 2013; Adeyanju et al., 2014)

Introduction

Black girls with strong racial identities report higher levels of self-esteem in comparison to those who do not identify as strongly with their race. Racial socialization messages have been shown to encourage positive racial identity development among Black adolescent girls by serving as a buffer from racism and discrimination. Racial socialization is defined as the “process by which society transmits messages to youth about the significance and meaning of their race and ethnicity and associated values and norms”.(Adeyanju et al., 2014; Britt, Costez, Rawley, & Valrie 2007; Buckley & Carter, 2005; Alleyene, Constanine, Jackson, & Wallace, 2006)

Racial Identity/Self-Esteem

Group Focus

Generally, Black Americans do not utilize professional counseling services due to stigma. Low socio economic status can limit attainability of certain resourcesThe group leader may be unfamiliar with Black culture Adolescents may be disruptive during the group process (Brown, Clark, & Parker, 1998; Berkel et al., 2009).

Group Work with Black Youth

Very few intervention-based programs that address racial socialization’s positive impact on self-esteem exist. It is possible for universal programs with a broader audience base to fail to meet the needs of Black youth. Historically, groups have not met the needs of Black Americans because of their focus on a European American worldview. Therefore, a group curriculum from a Black American worldview is most beneficial when conducting group work with Black youth. Black Americans do well during group intervention services because of the parallel theme of communal support found in both therapeutic settings and in areas of Black American culture. (Gladding, 2012; Brown, Clark, & Parker, 1998, Adeyanju et al., 2014)

Low self-esteem is significantly related to serious health risks including an increased risk for suicidal ideation and the successful completion of suicide.Self-esteem is defined as the value that one places on one’s self and is a primary component of self-concept and identity. Self-esteem is related to several dimensions of well-being including psychological wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, and physical wellbeing.Adolescence has been shown to be a period of development when many young women begin to feel badly about themselves and develop low self-esteem.Low self-esteem can impact the ability of these young girls to successfully respond to everyday challenges faced throughout life.Black young women are at a higher risk for developing low self-esteem in comparison to their white peers because of the negative impact that experiences with racism and discrimination have on self-concept formation.(Brausch, & Decker, 2014; Khattab & Jones, 2007; Armstrong & Shen, 2008)

Need/Rationale

This Group Aims To: Integrate racial socialization activities with other self-esteem based interventions into a psychoeducational support group Foster a sense of positive racial identity among members Teach members about healthy self-esteem Provide a safe place where girls can learn and grow from one another Racial Socialization Themes Addressed: Self-Worth Cultural Pride Responding Appropriately to Negative Messages Preparation for Biases Egalitarianism

The group is designed for 7-10 Black girls between the ages of 12-15The group should take place for 90 minutes once a week for a duration of 6 weeks The group should take place at an accessible location The group should be run from a democratic group leadership style This type of style has been shown to help develop trust in group settings. Given the nature of the themes discussed in this group, it is important to foster an atmosphere where members feel safe, secure, and understood. Because this group focuses specifically on the experiences of Black adolescent girls, it would be ideal that the group leader also be an African American woman operating from an African American worldview.

Group Logistics

Each group session with the exception of the first and the last is focused on a positive racial socialization theme and follows a similar structure. Session1: Introduction to I Am E.N.O.U.G.H.Goals: Establish rapport, discuss group rules Objectives: Members will obtain a basic understanding of self-worth and sources of self-esteem Session 2: Self-WorthRacial socialization messages accentuating self-worth have been linked to increased self-esteem levels among African American adolescents (Adeyanju, et. al., 2014). Goals: Discuss concept of self-worth, emphasize healthy self-perceptionsObjectives: Members will learn how to practice self-affirmations. Session 3: Cultural Pride Messages of cultural appreciation and knowledge “endorse recognition and appreciation of African American cultural heritage” and connect to higher levels of self-esteem among Black youth (Blackmon & Constantine, 2002). Goals: Emphasize the history and accomplishments of Black AmericansObjectives: Members will identify Black female role modelsSession 4: Responding Appropriately to Negative MessagesLearning how to identify and positively cope with these types of messages can help young Black women avoid the development of low self-esteem (Adeyanju, et. al. 2014)Goals: Discuss ways that Black women are portrayed negatively in societyObjectives: Members will identify positive coping mechanisms that can help them when faced with negative messagesSession 5: Preparation for Bias/EgalitarianismUnderstanding racial discrimination and appreciating diversity are important components to racial identity and self-esteem development (Hughes et al., 2006) . Goals: Discuss racism/discrimination and interracial equalityObjectives: Members will be able to better cope with biases and identify ways to cope with experiences of racism and discrimination. Session 6: TerminationGoals: Reflect on the group experience, end the group, and develop plans for individual follow-up.

Group Overview

Anticipated Challenges