African American Fathers Focus on the Family: A Group Approach to Increasing Visibility in Research

Abstract

African American men have virtually been ignored in the family literature. This paper challenges the misperception that African American men are not interested or actively involved in family issues. In an effort to increase visibility among African American men in the literature, barriers to research participation are explored and strategies to overcome these obstacles are discussed. An example of a study which successfully recruited African American men to participate in research groups is provided. The preparatory phase is identified as a very significant determinant of the group outcome. This study supports a group approach to research with African American men.