BUILDING POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE IN ADOLESCENTS IN FOSTER-CARE - THE USE OF ROLE MODELS IN AN INTERACTIVE GROUP-APPROACH

In a previous article (Yancey, 1992), the literature on identity devel opment in individuals from socially devalued racial and ethnic groups was summarized. It was postulated that the social maladaptation of ado lescents in residential group foster care is reflective of identity di sturbances created by the negative images of African-Americans and Lat inos perpetuated by the dominant society and unfiltered by optimal par ental racial/ethnic socialization. The present article describes the d evelopment of a pilot preventive mental health intervention, the PRIDE (Personal and Racial/ethnic Identity Development and Enhancement) pro gram, designed to provide components of parenting that are necessary f or promoting positive self-image in ethnically marginalized adolescent s and that are typically lacking in the group foster care milieu. PRID E utilizes successful, ethnically relevant role models in interactive group sessions to create a significant cognitive and emotional experie nce for teens. While the utility of role modeling for at-risk youth is widely accepted, there is little research on the packaging, delivery, and influence of this intervention modality. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a ''hybrid'' role-modeling approach (intermediate i n intensity of exposure and cost between one-to-one mentoring and care er-day programs). Implications for further research on this type of in tervention are discussed.