The NIA Group. Building a sense of purpose in preadolescent African American girls: a novel approach to nursing leadership in community health.

Many African American girls experience pubertal development early. Earlier pubertal development may place these girls at greater risk of exposure to or engagement in early sexual behavior. Young girls facing this societal context need interventions to help them develop healthy self-esteem, pride in their cultural heritage, good decision-making skills and a sense of purpose.