Social Cognitive Theory and how it relates to African American Men in a Clinical Setting

Introduction: Project Brotherhood (PB) is a successful Black Men's Clinic established in 1998. PB's health care service delivery is based on the World Health Organization's definition of health, which is “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.” Our extensive past experience in implementing, group sessions, and vocational training focuses on self-efficacy.

Problem: African American males have suffered disproportionately from social ills. These have included education, housing, employment, and health care, among others. Perhaps in no other area, though, have these problems been displayed as prominently as in the realm of crime and the criminal justice system.

Hypothesis: Can a theoretically based conceptual model guide African American men to develop preventative health behaviors through strengthening of self esteem, thoughts, feelings and actions towards life's task and goals.

Methods: Project Brotherhood will implement the theoretically based conceptual model (through our Manhood and Fatherhood classes) that teaches the men skills to apply risk reduction behaviors and to have successful outcomes.

Conclusion: An evaluation report will be made about the impact of the model on the participants. We will identify themes expressed by respondents to enhance our data for publication.