Condom Decision Making Among Latino and Black Adolescent Males: Social Neurobiological and Paternal Influences

Purpose: We explored mechanisms of paternal influence associated with adolescent male condom decision making and behavior within an integrated framework of social neurobiological and behavioral theories of condom use. Method: Self-administered surveys from Latino and Black adolescent males aged 15–19 years ( n = 191) and their fathers were obtained. Dyads were recruited using area sampling methodology. Analyses included multivariable logistic and ordinary least squares regression examining direct and indirect associations of adolescent decision-analytic and paternal influence factors with adolescent condomless sex in the past 3 months. Results: Notions of masculinity, low-risk perception, partner approval of, and self-efficacy for condomless sex were associated with engaging in unprotected sex. Adolescent males reported reduced odds of engaging in condomless sex when indicating greater levels of father–son communication, relationship satisfaction, and paternal monitoring. Conclusion: Father-based interventions grounded in integrated theoretical frameworks of behavioral decision making and neuroscience have the potential to promote condom use among adolescent males.

Boyz n the Hood and the Marginalization of Black Adolescent Males

John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood debuted over 25 years ago to critical acclaim and compelling cultural relevance. Underscored by several social justice principles, the film highlights the socioeconomic challenges that ravaged low-income, Black communities during the 80s and early 90s. As a critical examination of Boyz n the Hood, this film review explores the movie’s representation of ineffective policing in black communities; the school-to-prison pipeline for students of color; the shortage of basic necessities for underprivileged children; and the importance of intentional parenting in child development. The article then discusses the implications of these social issues on the Black adolescent males featured in the film and closes with hypothetical solutions for minimizing their marginalized experiences.

What Works for Adolescent Black Males at Risk of Suicide

We reviewed the controlled studies that report outcome findings for Black adolescent males 24 years of age and younger at risk of suicide. Our review identified 48 articles published from 2000 to 2015, 33 that met our initial criteria for full-text articles review, resulting in 6 that met all inclusion criteria. We sought to understand what works for Black males experiencing suicide ideation or engaging in suicidal behaviors (e.g., attempts). We identified crossover effects for multisystemic therapy for reducing the risk for suicide ideation and attempts. Attachment-based family therapy was salient for use as a component of clinical practice for Black males being treated for suicide ideation. While remaining randomized control trials did involve Black youth, disaggregated data based on ethnicity and gender were not reported. Overall, the located studies are too few to provide unequivocal guidance for practice.