African American teenagers in the United States experience a higher level of depression due to high levels of poverty and discrimination compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Therefore, socio-economic status is an essential determiner of psychological wellbeing. That notwithstanding, lifespan development theories can help predict these occurrences among minority populations such as African American teenagers. The psychosocial theory of development provides valuable insights into the influence of social factors on an individual’s development. The theory postulates that the development of personality takes place throughout an individual’s lifespan. In developing the theory, Erikson argued that the interaction among people affects their view of “self.” He termed this as the ego identity. In line with this theory, one can argue that African American cultural values and beliefs play a significant role in influencing the prevalence of depression among their teenagers.
A combination of values determines the culture of a people. Therefore, understanding African American culture can only come from examining their values on specific aspects of life. African American culture is characterized by high levels of spirituality, perhaps as a way of coping with the racial prejudice and the economic conditions that come with these factors. Parks (2003) asserts that spirituality is deeply embedded in African American cultural heritage, including matters regarding health and wellness. It is possible to argue that the long history of oppression could have contributed to spirituality as an overcoming mechanism. In this context, feelings of ineptness could contribute to depression among African American teenagers.
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While the community is a valued possession in the African American context, most teenagers experience significant difficulties integrating into the mainstream culture. Their societies are often characterized by high unemployment levels, poverty, and crime. Part of this is attributed to many decades of legislation that denied African Americans the chances for social development (Davis, 2020). This history has significant ramifications on the lifespan development of individuals born in these communities. Therefore, African American culture and beliefs must be interpreted based on a good understanding of the context.
Levinson’s theory
Levinson’s theory postulates the seasons of life that an individual goes through in adult development. According to Levinson, adult life follows a sequence that is shaped by actions at each of the stages. Each of the stages has a stable period in which an individual makes the choices followed by a period of transition into the next stage. African American teenagers have to undergo the normal process of development postulated by Levinson in an environment characterized by racial prejudice. Therefore, their experiences present unique challenges that are often not faced by their white counterparts. The stressful conditions in which they live are likely to contribute to significant mental health issues such as depression.
Social work practice is essential in encouraging health-seeking behavior among African American teenagers with depressive symptoms. Studies suggest that the underutilization of mental health services is mainly attributed to the stigma that comes with seeking these services (Lindsey et al., 2010). Social support seems to provide some level of protection against the development of severe symptoms. It also promotes health-seeking behavior. Social workers should also promote family support as it has been shown to confer benefits in addition to professional treatment. The social practice recommendation should target the youth at the family level and develop programs to help in the large-scale rehabilitation of those with depressive symptoms. According to the psychosocial theory of development, the biggest crisis among adolescents entails the development of self-identity. Therefore, family involvement would be vital in helping these youths develop a positive self-identity despite the prevailing circumstances. The psychosocial theory of development aligns with the social work principles of social justice, dignity, and the worth of the person (American Psychological Association, 2015). By understanding an individual based on the development of self-identity, the practice should treat all people as equal despite their variations in race and other parameters.
In a nutshell, the psychosocial theory of lifespan development outlines the relevant stages that an individual has to undergo. Levinson’s theory, on the other hand, examines the seasons of life in adult development. The two theories have an important bearing in the African American teenagers’ development context. Understanding these theories is essential in appreciating the challenges that contribute to the mental health issues discussed.
References
American Psychological Association. (2015). APA handbook of clinical Geropsychology .
Davis, P. E. (2020). Painful legacy of historical African American culture. Journal of Black Studies , 51 (2), 128-146. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021934719896073
Lindsey, M. A., Joe, S., & Nebbitt, V. (2010). Family matters: The role of mental health stigma and social support on depressive symptoms and subsequent help seeking among African American boys. Journal of Black Psychology , 36 (4), 458-482. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095798409355796
Parks, F. M. (2003). The role of African American folk beliefs in the modern therapeutic process. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice , 10 (4), 456-467. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.bpg046
