This study sought to assess the degree to which traditional family-focused intervention targets generalize from European American to African American families. These targets were initially based on many studies, conducted over many decades, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Family and intervention research has grown tremendously, both in terms of the number of researchers in the field as well the increased usability and sophistication of available research methodologies. We also continue to improve in other critical areas such as our ability to successfully engage and retain ethnic/racial minority families in research and to reduce barriers to access to evidence-based programs (Brody et al., 2004; Harachi, Choi, Abbott, Catalano, & Bliesner, 2006). Findings from the present study suggest that these family functioning measures can be assessed meaningfully across African American and European American groups. Mean-level differences suggest African American families might benefit from interventions that target these parenting behaviors. Although some racial/ethnic group differences did emerge in tests of the relationships between parent behavior and teen beliefs and behavior, in general the link between parenting and teen outcomes was confirmed. This study supports targeting family factors in preventive interventions for these two ethnic groups.
