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Identity Matters: A New Intervention Threshold for Social Work Practitioners Working with African American Adolescents

Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal volume 22, pages 35–55 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide empirical evidence for the notion that social work interventionists should consider identity issues in African American adolescents as a foci in the development of intervention strategies. The author provides an overview of the major identity constructs and their interrelationships in African American adolescents. An example of the pervasiveness of relevant identity issues in African American adolescents was demonstrated by using a regression analysis to determine how identity characteristics predicted various forms of aggression in incarcerated and nonincarcerated youth. Significant statistical findings and theoretical support was used to sustain the rational of “identity matters.”

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive, HWH-328, 60628, Chicago, Illinois

    Alonzo DeCarlo Ph.D., MSW

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  1. Alonzo DeCarlo Ph.D., MSW
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DeCarlo, A. Identity Matters: A New Intervention Threshold for Social Work Practitioners Working with African American Adolescents. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 22, 35–55 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-005-2553-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-005-2553-5

Keywords

  • Identity
  • African American Adolescents
  • Aggression