African American Parental Beliefs About Resiliency: A Delphi Study

Abstract: This study involved a Delphi inquiry concerning the characteristics of resiliency specific to African American children/youth. The study was conducted with a large group of African American parents who were considered experts in resiliency because they had graduated from high school and had at least one child who had graduated from high school. Through a series of three Delphi surveys, the parents moved toward consensus concerning the most important characteristics of resiliency that contributed to their success and the success of their child(ren); as well as those that hindered their success and the success of their child(ren). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis. The main characteristics of resiliency defined by the parents as contributing to or hindering their success or the success of their child(ren) included (a) spiritual/faith, (b) positive/negative personal traits, (c) family involvement/problems, (d) positive/negative educational supports, (e) inappropriate behaviors, and (f) resources.