Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma
The Impact of Single Black Fathers’ Trauma History on Children’s Anxiety Through Parental Beliefs
Overview
This study aims to investigate the efficacy of African-centered therapeutic approaches in addressing mental health issues among Black men and children. It explores how cultural values and principles can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Research Question
Does the relationship between single Black fathers’ trauma history and their children’s anxiety levels occur through the fathers’ epistemology?
Hypothesis
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Null Hypothesis (H0):
The trauma history of single Black fathers does not have a direct effect on their children's anxiety levels, and this relationship is not mediated by the fathers' epistemology. -
Alternative Hypothesis (Ha):
The trauma history of single Black fathers has a direct effect on their children's anxiety levels, and this relationship is mediated by the fathers' epistemology
Significance
This research fills a critical gap in understanding the relationship between Black father’s wellbeing and their children’s anxiety. This research fills that gap by exploring the impact of Black father’s trauma history and epistemology on their children’s anxiety levels. This research focused on single Black fathers particular add context to understanding the stress of parenting Black children. Addressing this gap will help integrate African/Black cultural dynamics into clinical psychology, providing more effective mental health support for Black men and children.
Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC): This scale assesses various dimensions of anxiety in children and provides insight into their anxiety levels.
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ): This questionnaire assesses different types of childhood trauma experiences and will help me measure the trauma history of single Black fathers.
Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC): This scale measures parents' self-efficacy and satisfaction with their parenting role, which can reflect their epistemology regarding parenting.
Parenting Stress Index (PSI): Assesses stress related to parenting and identifies dysfunctional parenting attitudes. Includes dimensions that can reflect fathers' beliefs and perceptions about their parenting role.
Data Collection Methods: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)
My SEM strategy involves utilizing latent variables such as trauma, epistemology, and anxiety to explore direct and indirect relationships among these constructs. Path analysis will allow me to test mediation hypotheses, while SEM’s model fit indices will help assess complex models involving multiple mediators, moderators, and dependent variables, providing a comprehensive understanding of the relationships among these factors.
Participants
- Single Black fathers who identify as the primary caregiver for their child/children.
- Children of these fathers, within a specified age range (e.g., 8-16 years) to ensure they can self-report anxiety reliably.
- Fathers who are the sole or primary custodial parent.
- Children of these fathers, within a specified age range (e.g., 8-16 years) to ensure they can self-report anxiety reliably.
