NCJ Number
181849
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article describes how so-called “Hispanic" boys learn how to meet their responsibilities as autonomous, responsible individuals while simultaneously maintaining a sense of integrity or self-respect.
Abstract
The article examines in detail only the theoretical perspective deemed most relevant: Erik Erikson’s (1963) psychosocial theory of development. It discusses sociological-cultural realities of the Hispanic culture, describes Erikson’s understanding of culture and personality, and presents treatment strategies for dealing with the problems pertinent to Hispanic boys. The article studies the young Hispanic male and his culture, stages of psychosexual development and clinical approaches. The origins of Hispanic male identity are in a boy’s immediate and extended family, as well as the neighborhood from which he comes. Thus his family and his community are an extension of who he is as a person and have a great influence on his choice of associates, marriage partner, where he travels, and where he works. Counseling with Hispanic boys is enhanced when the counselor affirms the boy’s cultural heritage and helps him to appropriate Spanish customs and to bond with his family.