The Effects of Authoritarian Parenting Style on Black Teenage Males

This paper explores the impact of authoritarian parenting styles on the mental health, social skills, and substance use of adolescent black males. Through a review of existing literature, it delves into the detrimental effects of authoritarian parenting, emphasizing its link to reduced self-confidence, heightened signs of depression, and heightened vulnerability to substance use among black teenagers. Using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and Empowerment Theory, the study contextualizes the issue within broader environmental and empowerment frameworks, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive interventions. While state and federal policies, such as Medicaid and Mental Health Parity Acts, indirectly address mental health disparities, gaps remain in addressing the specific challenges faced by black adolescent males who have been subjected to authoritarian parenting. Evidence-based interventions like Parent- Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Multisystemic Therapy (MST), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offer promising avenues for promoting positive parenting practices and addressing the multifaceted needs of this population. Further research and culturally tailored interventions are needed to address the unique challenges faced by black adolescent males within authoritarian parenting contexts.