Five key factors in the treatment of black families

Over the past two decades, the prevalent “deficit�? theories have continued to guide clinicians in the treatment of Black populations. For family therapists, this theoretical framework has created a skewed perspective of the familial patterns of many Black individuals. The terms “disorganized, chaotic, depressed and deprived�? were employed to describe the lives of Black families in America (Moynihan, 1965). More recent literature has begun to combat this deficiency theory by highlighting the fundamental strengths that are inherent in Black families (Hill, 1972; Billingsley, 1968; McAdoo, 1981; McAdoo & McAdoo, 1985; Lewis & Looney, 1983; Hines & Boyd-Franklin, 1982). Based on this research, five key areas of strength can be delineated: (1) the bond of the extended family, (2) the adaptability of family roles, (3) strong religious orientation, (4) an integral belief in the value of education and the work ethic, and (5) the ability to develop and utilize effective coping skills in the face of socioeconomic hardship.