Exploring Positive Masculinity Development in African American Men: A Retrospective Study

This qualitative study addresses the formation of masculine identity during adolescence among a diverse sample of African American men. Using a mixed research methods design, 15 African American men 18 to 22 years old were asked to recall their experiences of forming a masculine identity during their adolescence. Using the Weiss (Weiss, 1994, Learning from strangers: The art and method of qualitative interview studies. New York, NY: Free Press) model, nine themes related to the conceptualization of masculinity were revealed. Results suggested that positive male role models, in particular fathers and grandfathers, played the largest role in predicting healthy and adaptive masculine identities in contrast to one's peers or the media. Findings can help extend our understanding of sources of positive masculinity development for African American adolescent males.