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The Family and Community Health Study (FACHS) is an investigation
of almost 900 African-American families, the largest in-depth study
ever conducted of this community of families in the United States.
Earlier research with African Americans has tended to focus on poor
families and children living in disadvantaged areas of large cities.
Such research often ignores the diversity of the African-American
community and gives a limited and sometimes stereotypical view of
this population group. The FACHS study attempts to remedy these
limitations in earlier investigations by focusing on families from
small towns and cities and on families that include the full
spectrum of African-American economic experience, from the very poor
to the upper middle class. In addition, the study seeks to evaluate
the strengths and competencies of these families, in addition to the
problem behaviors that too often have been the exclusive focus of
earlier research. One-half of the families in the project live in
Iowa while the other half resides in Georgia. The National Institute
of Mental Health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse support the
project. Rand Conger serves as overall principal investigator and
director of the project. His work involves the evaluation of how
family and community economic circumstances combine to affect family
processes and the lives of children. Ron Simons is principal
investigator for the project’s research related to youth emotional
and behavioral problems, Carolyn Cutrona is principal investigator
for the adult mental health aspects of the project, andFrederick
Gibbons is principal investigator for components of the study
related to adolescent health risks and behaviors. Georgia
researchers Gene Brody and Velma Murry are conducting the research
in Georgia. Professor Vonnie McLoyd, a leading figure in the study
of African-American families at the University of Michigan, is also
an investigator on the project.
The study is concerned with the manner in which both family process
and community characteristics influence child development. The
neighborhoods being studied are located in small town and rural
population centers. Some neighborhoods are relatively poor while
others are quite affluent. The study focuses upon issues such as
whether a strong family can protect a child from the risks
associated with life in a disadvantaged community, or conversely,
whether living in a strong community can protect children from the
negative influence of a family experiencing significant problems.
The families are being asked about themselves and their communities
in independent interviews with the primary caregiver, a second
caregiver, if present, the 10 or 11 year-old target child, and an
older sibling, if present. In addition, the researchers are
videotaping interactions between the primary caregivers and the
children, and between the primary and secondary caregivers. The
information is gathered in two sessions, usually in the
participants’ homes. The study has already generated important
information regarding the strengths of African-American families
that help young people avoid problems and that promote competencies
such as school achievement and positive social relationships. These
findings provide a basis for the development of programs and
policies that can enhance the well-being of African-American
children and families.
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