ADULT BLACK MALES' PERCEPTIONS OF FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR PERCEPTION IN RISKY HEALTH BEHAVIORS AS ADOLESCENTS (AFRICAN-AMERICAN, SOCIALIZATION).
Contributors: University of Florida.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 140
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; History, Black.; Psychology, Developmental.; Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies.; Health Sciences, Public Health.
Description: Since adolescents learn many behaviors via the socialization process, it is reasonable to postulate that they may learn risky health behaviors through this process as well. The purpose of this study was to describe adult Black males' perceptions of factors associated with their participation in risky health behaviors as adolescents. For the purpose of this study, risky health behavior was defined as any act which had the potential to negatively affect an individual's overall well-being.

A qualitative research approach was used to focus on understanding interactions of Black males with their environment. A purposive sampling of Black males with a history of participation in risky health behaviors was selected. The focus group technique was used to ascertain participants' opinions about factors associated with Black males' participation in risky health behaviors as adolescents. The data analysis includes a content analysis which delineates categories and themes and an exhaustive description of Black males' perceptions of factors associated with their participation in risky health behaviors as adolescents.

The results of this research of adult Black males' perceptions of factors associated with their participation in risky health behaviors as adolescents showed six major themes. These themes were desire for autonomy and equality, freedom, respect and recognition, love, success, and belonging. However the capability to achieve their desires were hindered by fear of self-responsibility, letting go of the past, isolation, rejection, failure, and trusting.

Participants articulated their desires by explaining what they wanted or needed but did not receive as adolescents and in some cases they had not had their needs met currently as young adults. As participants articulated their desires, they concurrently expressed related fears. The unresolved conflicts between driving forces (desires) and constraining forces (fears) caused internal struggles polarizing the participants and in some cases rendering them incapable of acting proactively in their own behalf.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-02, Section: B, page: 0992.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, 1995.

School code: 0070.