Resilience in African American youth: African American female single-parent perceptions of factors and causes of academic success

This qualitative multiple case study focused on determining factors that contribute to academic success in children raised by African American, female, single parents. The findings are based on those parent's perceptions.; This study involved a purposeful sampling of nine African American, female, single parents who have children who are considered academically successful based on the study criteria. The criteria for the study required that each participant be an African American, female, single parent with a child who has grades of A-C. Additionally, participants were asked to provide a copy of their successful child's report to corroborate academic success.; As a group the participants were homogeneous and varied in age education and income levels. Audio taped in-depth interviews provided the primary source of data. The interview protocol consisted of semi-structured and open-ended questions derived primarily from resilience literature. The constant comparative method of data analysis was used and began with the first interview and continued through the completion of the data collection and analysis process.; Findings revealed that the participants all have similar challenges within the family due to similar historical, cultural socioeconomic factors. Several resilience related concepts emerged during data collection and includes: positive self-concept, optimism about the future, self-esteem, family connectedness and spirituality.; The overarching themes and factors that emerged from data analysis were: positive parenting practices, personal resilience, establishment of viable support systems and a personal commitment to academic achievement. The narratives of the participants are in agreement with recent literature that highlights the importance of parental involvement in children's lives.; This research has multiple implications for educators, social workers, and policy makers. The findings indicate that a strengths-based approach should be used in the development of interventions, programs and future policies that are designed to aid the growing number of African American, female single parents. Future studies can expand on the finding of this study to conduct research on other races, populations, and male single parents. The voices of the participants were loud and clear and provided insights into what works in their world.