Stressors and strengths: A theoretical and practical examination of nuclear, single-parent, and augmented African American families

Much of the academic attention on the African American family has focused o n pathologies. Less information has been obtained using cultural equivalent or emergent models to recognize positive, adaptive features. In this resea rch, a survey study of 114 African American families is used to assess (1) similarities between experiences and existing theoretical exemplars; (2) st ressors and strengths and whether they are family-type specific; (3) religi osity; and (4) family success measures for nuclear, single-parent and augme nted families. The results suggest that the experiences of the study famili es reflect a fusion of various social and cultural theories.