Research on Psychosocial Adjustment of Indian Youth
HARRY L. SASLOW PH.D.1, and
MAY J. HARROVER ACSW2
1 Clinical psychologist and co-director, New Mexico Highlands University Indian Project, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, N. Mex. 87701
2 Psychiatric social worker and research associate for the New Mexico Highlands University Indian Project, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, N. Mex. 87701
The school experiences of Indian children tend to accentuate rather than resolve their identity problems; the outcome is often an increase in behavioral and disciplinary difficulties. At some point between the fourth and seventh grades a decline in academic achievement sets in, and the typical Indian student falls progressively behind his Anglo-American counterpart. The authors conclude that effective educational programs for American Indian youth must emphasize the development of adequate psychosocial adjustment.
