Achieving Despite the Odds: A Study of Resilience Among a Group of African American High School Seniors
| Author (s) |
Floyd, C. |
| |
|
| Year of Publication |
1996 |
| |
|
| Publication Type |
article |
| |
|
| Name of Periodical |
The Journal of Negro Education |
| |
|
| Volume |
65 |
| |
|
| Issue |
2 |
| |
|
| Page Numbers |
181-189 |
| |
|
| Editors |
|
| |
|
| Publisher &
Address |
Howard University Press
Howard University
Washington, D.C. 20059
|
| |
|
| Available From |
|
| |
|
| URL |
http://www.founders.howard.edu/hupress/ |
| |
|
| Suggested Audience |
- School administrators
- Counselors
- Community members
- Parents
|
| |
|
| Descriptors |
- African-American students
- School/community relationships
- Socio-economic status
- High schools
- Student attitudes
|
Content Abstract
This article reports on a study examining the phenomenon of resilience, or the manifestation of competence despite the presence of stressful life events or circumstance, as a factor leading to the academic success of 20 African American 12th graders (10 females, 10 males) from impoverished backgrounds. Interviews were conducted with these at-risk but achieving urban California high school seniors, to identify internal and external forces contributing to the development of resilience among them. Interview data suggest that their academic success is largely attributable to three protective mechanisms: a supportive, nurturing family and home environment; the youths’ interactions with and the involvement of committed, concerned educators and other adults in their lives; and the development of two key personality traits- perseverance and optimism.
Methodological Notes
20 African American students were chosen for the study based on their meeting certain criteria of academic success defined by the researcher. Data on the students were provided by their school counselor. Students were interviewed 5 times during the months of January through May. Four of the interviews were conducted individually. The fifth interview involved the entire group of students in a collective dialogue with the author.
Additional Comments
Reviews and Commentary by the Field
Please send me a copy of this article. Thank you!
-
Donna McClain
(Waycross, GA USA)
