| The purpose of this study is to describe and critique the past directions and orientations of Black psychological theory, research and practice and offer suggestions for future directions in the field of Black Psychology. The sample for Part I of this study consisted of a sample of the articles published in The Journal of Black Psychology (JBP) from 1974 through 1999. The in-depth analysis of the content found in JBP serves as an indication of the domains in Black Psychology and how Black psychologists go about the tasks of researching, theorizing and practicing those domains.; In Part II of the study, twelve psychologists were interviewed. The interviewees were selected according to the particular critical approach within the field of Black Psychology (deconstructive, reconstructive, or constructive). A minimum of four principle figures were randomly selected from each critical approach as an attempt to obtain a wider range of perspectives on the status of the discipline.; All articles published in The Journal of Black Psychology from 1974 through 1999 were examined for subject matter. The articles were evaluated on a standardized form. Upon completion of the content analysis, in-depth interviews began. Two instruments were used in this study. Included in the battery were the following measures: (1) a content analysis form and (2) an interview protocol.; The results of this study indicate that the major issues in Black Psychology were identity, education, health, marriage, and clinical counseling. In addition, the data indicate that regardless of the time period examined, reconstruction was the most utilized critical approach. Reconstruction was followed by the construction critical approach and the deconstruction critical approach, respectively.; Finally, this research documents Black Psychology's emphasis on recognizing and understanding culturally specific psychological issues particular to the historical and social experiences of people of African descent. By examining the various ways that Black psychologists have examined Black experiences, it also documents the diversity and complexity of thought in the discipline of Black Psychology. |
