Handbook of Race and Development in Mental Health 2012th Edition

From the reviews:

“Using a positive psychology model, this book considers the five largest racial groups in the United States … across the lifespan. … The audience includes researchers, practitioners, and students in various disciplines in psychology … and social work. … Numerous figures and tables help clarify the text. Many of the chapters end with conclusions and future recommendations. … It is easy to read and gives practical ideas for intervention. … It will be a great addition to any clinician’s library.” (Gary B. Kaniuk, Doody’s Review Service, March, 2012)

“Handbook of Race and Development in Mental Health is novel in its comprehensive approach to positive psychology across race and life span … . Chang and Downey’s edited book is intended for clinicians, researchers, students, and other professionals in diverse fields … . The organization of the book makes it user-friendly for the intended audience. … All in all, Chang and Downey’s book encourages a much-needed shift from a one-size-fits-all notion of positive psychology to redefining mental health and psychological well-being within a cultural context.” (Sussie Eshun and Sangeetha Nayak, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 57 (29), July, 2012)

Handbook of Race and Development in Mental Health 2012th Edition

Edward C. Chang and Christina A. Downey, editors

The early decades of psychology were concerned with pathology: its causes, identification, and treatment. Eventually this foundation expanded to include positive aspects of human behavior, such as intelligence, creativity, and love. But even as positive psychology grew insignificance, it was limited on two fronts―its universalism, ignoring the role of cultural differences, and its focus on young adults, marginalizing the very real experiences of children and elders.

The Handbook of Race and Development in Mental Health 2012th Edition addresses both shortcomings with knowledge and accessibility. For each of the major racial groups in the United States,chapters explore risk and protective factors in children, social support systems, challenges of inequality, the roles of culture and context in coping,prevalent psychological conditions, barriers to help-seeking, aging-related issues, and other key areas. This cultural/lifespan approach offers enlightening points of comparison and contrast, particularly for the clinical or counseling practitioner.

A sampling of the topics included in the Handbook:

• African Americans: effects of parenting styles on children; coping strategies and John Henryism in adults.
• Native Americans/Alaska Natives: intergenerational trauma; spiritual practice and well-being.
• Asian Americans: the “model minority” stereotype; peer support and wellness.
• European Americans: why children may be underrepresented in the literature.
• Latinos: bilingualism; biculturalism; acculturative stress.
• Guidelines for incorporating lifespan and positive psychology into multicultural competence.

Rich with both findings and possibilities, the Handbook of Race andDevelopment in Mental Health offers researchers, practitioners,and students in various disciplines in psychology (such as clinical,cross-cultural, community, developmental, and positive), social work, and counseling a deeper understanding of all their clients, both as members of their communities and as individuals.