African-American Psychologist at Texas A&M University Examines Racial Differences in Aggressive Behavior Among Youth

Jamilia Blake, an assistant professor of educational psychology at Texas A&M University in College Station, is conducting research on how parents’ attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs mold their children’s conduct and relationships with their peers. Dr. Blake is particularly concerned with possible racial and ethnic differences in aggressive behavior among children. She has conducted interviews with 600 youngsters and 300 parents, as well as with the teachers of the young students, in order to determine if black and other minority youth are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior and, if so, whether their parents’ attitudes contribute to the likelihood of these behaviors.

Dr. Blake hopes that her research will lead to the establishment of intervention and prevention programs for youth and for parental training to reduce aggressive behaviors.

Dr. Blake holds bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in psychology, all from the University of Georgia.

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