Abstract

A telic-humanistic perspective adds a needed supplement to the usual psychological descriptions of non-White ethnic minorities. These people have not simply been reacting to forces impinging upon them but often have interpreted situations from the dialectic perspective provided by their intentions to sustain their self-worth in the face of demeaning circumstances. Historically an important way that minority families have bolstered their children's sense of self and helped them build a sense of competence has been by providing positive alternatives in that part of the environment that they could control. As families have enhanced their children's self-awareness they have expanded their children's conceptions of possible goals for themselves and thereby helped to enhance their sense of agency in their lives. 2012 APA, all rights reserved)