Fostering Resilience Among Early Adolescents Exposed to Community Violence: Challenges, Strategies, and Support Needs of Middle School Teachers in Predominantly African American Urban Communities

摘要: Title: FOSTERING RESILIENCE AMONG EARLY ADOLESCENTS EXPOSED TO COMMUNITY VIOLENCE: CHALLENGES, STRATEGIES, AND SUPPORT NEEDS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS IN PREDOMINANTLY AFRICAN AMERICAN URBAN COMMUNITIES Elisabeth Fost Maring, Doctor of Philosophy, 2006 Directed By: Professor Sally A. Koblinsky, Department Family Studies Community violence places youth at risk for adverse developmental consequences such as poor school achievement, aggression, and self-destructive behaviors. Although an increasing number studies have investigated the strategies that parents use to protect their children from negative effects exposure, there is a dearth research focuses on challenges faced by teachers in violent communities. Recognizing potential major influence early adolescents’ development, this study addressed gap literature examining: 1) face low-income neighborhoods with high community violence; 2) foster resilience ir students; 3) supports need more effectively teach guide within This qualitative adopted ecological/risk framework. Teachers’ voices provided important information about teaching protective factors various ecological contexts help maintain own effectiveness. The investigator recruited 20 three middle schools predominantly African American students located levels Maryland. A modified grounded theory approach was used data analysis. Results revealed central phenomenon affecting schools. Three emergent concepts framed teachers’ depiction challenges, strategies, support needs: guidance; structure; self preservation. Specifically, communities confronted providing guidance structure, while preserving mental health. They employed guidance-related resilience; structure classrooms, school, community; engaged behaviors preserve personal Finally, expressed needs youth; improve access health-related services. concludes discussing implications findings programs policies, including teacher training, leadership, security, peer mediation counseling services, parent education, involvement antiviolence initiatives. Suggestions future are also discussed.