5.1 Extended Maternal Figures in Black Families and Culture

There are many erroneous narratives around Black families including the “absentee Black father” and the “unfit” Black mother. When clinicians see the involvement of extended maternal figures (EMFs), they may assume it is due to these narratives. However, there are many reasons why extended family and other maternal figures may be involved in the mental health ca re of children and adolescents. For Black families, there is a sense of collectivism in child rearing, that is, Black children are more likely to grow up in households in which their grandparents are present.

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - October 1, 2023 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Nicole K. Cotton Source Type: research