Date of Conferral

11-18-2025

Date of Award

November 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Arleen Hogan

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have detrimental impacts on lifelong functioning. Although African Americans experience disproportionately higher rates of community violence, one type of ACE, the potential long-term impacts of exposure to such violence and of historical oppression on their parenting practices in adulthood, was little understood. In this qualitative study, an ethnographic approach was used to explore African American parents’ perceptions of how early exposure to community violence (before age of 18) and the intergenerational transmission of historical oppression influenced their current parenting practices. The conceptual framework, which integrated Engel’s biopsychosocial model and Bowen’s family systems theory, provided a culturally grounded lens for examining parenting. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 African American parents and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings indicate that African American parents draw upon early exposure to community violence and awareness of historical oppression to shape parenting strategies grounded in resilience, cultural identity, and legacy. Three central themes emerged: (1) My Foundation is Solid, (2) And Yet We Survived, and (3) African American Parenting Practices/Strategies. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of African American parenting within the context of adversity and systemic inequity. This study aims to contribute to positive social change by fostering individual self-awareness, promoting community-affirming practices, and informing policy development that advances trauma-informed, culturally responsive services, ultimately strengthening the provision of training in cultural humility.

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