African-American Males and the Rites of Passage Experience

Adolescence, customarily known as the teen years, is one of the most exciting as well as precarious periods in the life cycle. The social and familial supports available and accessible to help successfully transition individuals to the next developmental stage play a crucial role during adolescence. Teenagers typically explore their relationships to peers, family, social surroundings, and impending young adulthood. They also attempt to cement their identity and seek to nurture their self-esteem. Adolescence is obviously a vulnerable time in a young person's life and social acceptance, various influences on behavior, and critical thinking skills all impact a teen's sense of well-being. This chapter discusses adolescent Black males and their general psychological and emotional well-being. The term Black is used as opposed to African American because it encompasses individuals of color living in the United States who trace their ancestry to Africa, the Caribbean, and other parts of the world.