This book demonstrates how the basic body of knowledge in psychology can be applied to the experiences and behavior of blacks, as differentiated from those of whites. The author begins with a brief description of African culture, discusses the slave trade, and presents a sketch of the initial experiences of other ethnic groups in the United States. Following a discussion of black psychology and black psychologists, the author analyzes and relates specifically to the black experience such precepts as learning theories, perception, intelligence, frustration/adjustment, and personality. Includes discussion on criminal behavior, substance abuse, suicide and mental illness from a black perspective. The author concludes with an exploration of the factors that must be considered if psychological intervention with black patients and clients is to be effective. Contents: A Brief Look at the Past; Black Psychology and Black Psychologists; Learning and Conditioning; Perception and Consciousness; Black Intellectual Ability; Frustration and Adjustment; Personality; Socially Deviant and Socially Destructive Behavior; Mental Disorders; and Helping Troubled Blacks.

This innovative text is the first to examine the contemporary psychological experience of African Americans through the lens of a positive, strengths-based model. It combats the deficit perspective that has permeated the psychological literature about African Americans by focusing on the strengths that have facilitated their growth and resilience—while also considering existing challenges and struggles. The author examines in depth the major areas of psychological research across family, peer, and romantic relationships, education, work, ethnic-racial socialization and identity, prosocial behavior and civic engagement, and the mental and physical health of African Americans today. With a focus on real life applications, the text includes pedagogical elements introducing topics in Current Events, Interventions in Practice, Individual Issues, African Cultural Values, and Media and Technology. Additional features include learning objectives in each chapter, discussion questions, a closing summary, an extensive trove of additional resources, and PowerPoints and a sample syllabus for instructors. Print version of book includes free, searchable, digital access to the entire contents. Key Features: Serves as the first text to examine African American psychology from a strengths-based perspective Grounded in a lifespan perspective Focuses on ethnic-racial socialization and ethnic-racial identity Addresses mental and physical health Demonstrates how communities have used strength-based techniques to achieve positive outcomes Integrate values common to Western Africa Includes learning objectives, discussion questions, closing summary, and boldfaced key terms Provides PowerPoints and a sample syllabus

"History of Psychology in the Black Experience Perspectives uniquely approaches the history of human psychology by weaving together the psychological elements of ancient Egyptians. The psychological contents of the medieval and contemporary sub-Saharan Africans and the psychological experiences of Diasporan Africans were woven into the annals and systems of human psychology. The text reviews the manner by which the early Europeans took ideas and institutions from the ancient Blacks and how they changed these ideas and principles to create a psychology in their own perspectives. The book explores the psychological ideas and achievements of medieval Africans, presents the historical contributions of African-centered psychology or "psycho-Africalysis" in a unique manner, and outlines the collaborations of the continuous work, research and developments among continental African, Diasporan African and good faith Euro-American psychologists. The book is ideal for courses in the history and systems of psychology, African continental psychology, African American psychology, and the psychology of Black experience."--Publisher's website.

The Handbook of African American Psychology provides a comprehensive guide to current developments in African American psychology. It presents theoretical, empirical, and practical issues that are foundational to African American psychology. It synthesizes the debates in the field and research designed to understand the psychological, cognitive, and behavioral development of African Americans. The breadth and depth of the coverage in this handbook offers both foundational material and current developments. Although similar topics will be covered in this text that are included in other works, this will be the only work in which experts in the field write on contemporary debates related to these topics. Moreover, the proposed text incorporates other issues that are typically not covered in related books. The contributing authors also identify gaps in the literature and point to future directions in research, training, and practice. Key Features: Contains the writings of renowned editors and contributors: The most well-respected and accomplished editors and authors in the area of African American psychology, and psychology in general, have come together to lend their expert analysis of issues and research in this field. Designed for course use: With a consistent format from chapter to chapter and sections on historical development, cutting-edge theories, assessment, intervention, methodology, and development issues, instructors will find this handbook appropriate for use with upper-level undergraduate and graduate-level classes Offers unique coverage: The authors discuss issues not typically found in other books on African American psychology, such as ethics, certification, the gifted and talented, Hip-Hop and youth culture, common misconceptions about African Americans, and within-group differences related to gender, class, age, and sexual orientation.

An unapologetic exploration of the Black mental health crisis—and a comprehensive road map to getting the care you deserve in an unequal system. We can’t deny it any longer: there is a Black mental health crisis in our world today. Black people die at disproportionately high rates due to chronic illness, suffer from poverty, under-education, and the effects of racism. This book is an exploration of Black mental health in today’s world, the forces that have undermined mental health progress for African Americans, and what needs to happen for African Americans to heal psychological distress, find community, and undo years of stigma and marginalization in order to access effective mental health care. In The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health, psychologist and African American mental health expert Rheeda Walker offers important information on the mental health crisis in the Black community, how to combat stigma, spot potential mental illness, how to practice emotional wellness, and how to get the best care possible in system steeped in racial bias. This breakthrough book will help you: Recognize mental and emotional health problems Understand the myriad ways in which these problems impact overall health and quality of life and relationships Develop psychological tools to neutralize ongoing stressors and live more fully Navigate a mental health care system that is unequal It’s past time to take Black mental health seriously. Whether you suffer yourself, have a loved one who needs help, or are a mental health professional working with the Black community, this book is an essential and much-needed resource.