Intraracial, Intergenerational Conflict and the Victimization of African American Adults by African American Youth Katherine E
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 1-1-2010 Intraracial, intergenerational conflict and the victimization of African American adults by African American youth Katherine E. James Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the African American Studies Commons, Other Sociology Commons, and the Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University COLLEGE OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Katherine James has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Jay Greiner, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Martha Giles, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Brent Robbins, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Robin Friedman, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer David Clinefelter, Ph.D. Walden University 2010 Abstract Intraracial, Intergenerational Conflict and the Victimization of African American Adults by African American Youth by Katherine E. James MA, Ashland Theological Seminary, 2002 BS, Spring Arbor University, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2010 Abstract Black on Black victimization amongst inner-city African American youth is a well- documented phenomenon. Less understood are the shared lived experiences of inner-city, middle-aged African Americans who have been victims of crimes perpetrated by African American youth. The purpose of this study was to understand the lived, shared experience of this population. Social ecological theory, psychological sense of community, and crisis theory served as the theoretical frameworks for the study. A qualitative method of phenomenological inquiry was used to gain insight into the meaning ascribed to the victimization experiences, as well as the resulting thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and life-impacting implications. In-person, audio-taped, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 victimized, middle-aged African Americans. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’ method of data analysis. The study produced seven major themes: (a) physical, psychological, and emotional responses; (b) coping, (c) hopelessness, (d) betrayal, (e) traditional values, (f) societal issues, and (g) disengaged acceptance. The data analysis indicated that African Americans residing in this metropolitan location struggle with myriad intraracial and intergenerational challenges; approaches to addressing the challenges were reflected in the seven major themes. The results of this study may contribute to an enhanced understanding of the effects of intraracial, intergenerational victimization, leading to the ability of the mental health community to effectively address the physical, psychological, and emotional outcomes of this victimization experience. This study may also lead to a decrease in mental health related issues and costs, as well as serve as a catalyst for conversation amongst stakeholders. Intraracial, Intergenerational Conflict and the Victimization of African American Adults by African American Youth by Katherine E. James MA, Ashland Theological University, 2002 BS, Spring Arbor University, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2010 UMI Number: 3428265 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMI 3428265 Copyright 2010 by ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my greatest cheerleader, my mom Yvonne Woods, who passed away on June 29, 2008. Momma, without you, none of this would have been possible. Life without you is perplexing and quite painful. For 45 years, I was blessed with a precious gift, having the perfect mom for me. I am tremendously grateful to God for blessing me with you. Momma, I miss and love you more than words can express! Thank you for always being proud of me and for always showing that you were happy to see me—that helped me to feel very special throughout my life. Your unconditional love, unwavering acceptance, and dedication to those you loved and countless others, allowed me to become who I am today. Thank you a thousand times over for positioning me to be me. The unparalleled blessings of having had a mom like you are priceless. I love you!!!!! Acknowledgments I would first like to thank Abba God for loving and accepting me unconditionally, gifting me in the manner that He has, and for blessing me–throughout my life–with wonderful relationships. Tremendous appreciation to my husband and son, Kim James, Sr. and Jr., for their understanding and patience as we transitioned through all of my educational endeavors–particularly the PhD journey. To my wonderful extended family, thank you for always being there and giving of your selves on my behalf–especially Cherie, Auntie Jackie, Dianna, and Clyde James. Gratitude also goes to Aunt Pollette (my first example of academic achievement and excellence) and Brenda, Rozetta, Kimberly, Carman, and Robin–sisters near and dear to my heart. To my spiritual mom and dad (Pastors Bobby and Carolyn Bracy), thank you for emulating Jesus, never leaving or forsaking me, but continually loving and supporting me throughout life’s transitions. To my church family, I love you all and do not know where I would be without you as an anchor and safe community. Thank you to my extensive network of friends who help to make my life fuller, there are too many to name. Thanks to my sisters who know me best and love me just the same: Vanessa, Pamela, VaLisa, Athalia, and Jerrolynn. Finally, appreciation to Sabrina, my lifelong friend, and to my Cynthia, who supports me no matter what I do. Many thanks to my dissertation chair, Dr. Jay Greiner, for his commitment to the students placed under his watch and his dedication to the dissertation journey. Dr. Jay’s insight, knowledge, wit, humor, diligence, and genuine concern for students are a testament to him. To the degree that the dissertation journey can be painless, Dr. Jay has a way of helping to get students as close as possible to this reality. He indeed is an advocate and a tremendous blessing. I send blessings back to him, and to his present and future dissertation students. Further thanks to Dr. Martha Giles and Dr. Brent Robbins for their willingness to serve as committee members and for their efforts that helped to move me along the dissertation process. Their expertise as subject matter and methodology experts provided valuable insight and enabled the process to continue without unnecessary challenges. I have indeed been blessed with a superb dissertation committee. Finally, appreciation to all the participants. Thank you for affording me the privilege of experiencing your journey through the story telling process. Without these stories, this process could not have been completed. I am grateful for your willingness and continue to pray for your wholeness and healing. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction to the Problem .................................................................................................1 Background of the Problem .................................................................................................3 Statement of the Problem .....................................................................................................5 Research Questions ..............................................................................................................6 Themes .................................................................................................................................7 Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................................7 Theoretical Framework ........................................................................................................8 Social Ecological Theory ................................................................................................8 Psychological Sense of Community ...............................................................................9 Crisis Theory .................................................................................................................10 Operational Definitions