EFFECTIVE COPING STRATEGIES OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS

The Africentric orientation to coping and resolving problems through i nterpersonal processes has endured in a dominant Western culture that values rationality, material achievement, and individualism The Africe ntric worldview acknowledges affective reality as well as rationality strives for System maintenance rather than individual material gain, a nd views humanity collectively through shared concern for others' well -being. This article draws on literature and research in support of Af rican American survival mechanisms that shape and foster effective cop ing skills at the individual, family, community, and organizational le vels. The authors conclude that the African American community has ser ved as a buffer between African Americans and the dominant community i n developing effective coping and success. Furthermore, the African Am erican community has developed effective problem-solving strategies in response to its needs when the dominant culture excluded it from serv ices and has developed creative responses to new challenges. These str ategies nd responses ave rooted in African cultural traits. Implicatio ns for social work practice and research are suggested.