Racial Socialization, Racial Identity, and Race-Related Stress of African American Parents

This study examines the relationship between racial identity, race-related stress, and racial socialization messages of over 400 African American parents. Results suggest that parents with higher levels of private regard or pride about being African American, and nationalist ideology are more likely to give racial socialization messages. Parents who have experienced race-related stress are also more likely to engage in racial socialization. Additionally, the results indicate parents with high private regard and who have experienced race-related stress serve as the best predictor of in racial socialization, suggesting the recognition of the importance of buffering children from acts of racism. Implications for counseling, parenting programs, and further research are provided.