EFFECTIVE COPING STRATEGIES OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS

The Africentric orientation to coping and resolving problems through interpersonal processes has endured in a dominant Western culture that values rationality, material achievement, and individualism The Africentric worldview acknowledges affective reality as well as rationality strives for System maintenance rather than individual material gain, and views humanity collectively through shared concern for others' well-being. This article draws on literature and research in support of African American survival mechanisms that shape and foster effective coping skills at the individual, family, community, and organizational levels. The authors conclude that the African American community has served as a buffer between African Americans and the dominant community in developing effective coping and success. Furthermore, the African American community has developed effective problem-solving strategies in response to its needs when the dominant culture excluded it from services and has developed creative responses to new challenges. These strategies nd responses ave rooted in African cultural traits. Implications for social work practice and research are suggested.