The harmful consequences of substance use are particularly concerning for Black adolescents in urban communities, many of whom face additional environmental challenges that disrupt their transition into adulthood. Families play a pivotal role in prevention, and some have been successful, as substance use rates among Black adolescents are lower than their racial–ethnic peers. Yet, prevention research often overlooks the influence of place, Black family processes, and the heterogeneity of adolescents’ intersecting identities. Applying intersectionality theory in family science provides a lens to examine how overlapping identities such as race, gender, and class interact with systemic racism and environmental stressors to shape risk. We discuss how intersectionality can inform the study and design of substance-use-prevention interventions, using Black adolescents in urban communities as an example. We highlight the strengths of urban Black families and outline implications for family scientists and prevention researchers pursuing intersectional, family-centered approaches.
The application of intersectionality theory in family-based substance use prevention for urban Black adolescents
Journal of Family Theory and Review [Epub 2025 Nov 6]. doi: 10.1111/jftr.70022.