Repository logo
 

Microaggressions and the experiences of multiracial clients in psychotherapy: a qualitative investigation

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorFoster, Amanda N., author
dc.contributor.authorVacha-Haase, Tammi, advisor
dc.contributor.authorSuinn, Richard, committee member
dc.contributor.authorMiller, Lisa, committee member
dc.contributor.authorStallones, Lorann, committee member
dc.date.accessioned2007-01-03T06:30:36Z
dc.date.available2007-01-03T06:30:36Z
dc.date.issued2014
dc.description.abstractAlthough the importance of cultural competence for mental health professionals is widely agreed upon, it is often difficult to evaluate how this occurs in practice. The present study used a qualitative methodology to investigate the experiences of multiracial individuals in therapy with a particular focus on how race was addressed within the therapy relationships. Researchers investigated: 1) which, if any, microaggressions came up during psychotherapy, 2) how multiracial individuals made sense of microaggressions in therapy, and 3) what contributed to more positive experiences of discussing race in therapy. Thirteen multiracial individuals from various racial backgrounds were interviewed about their experiences in psychotherapy. Analyses revealed three major themes that occurred in all 13 interviews: therapist microaggressions, helpful therapist behaviors around race, and the impact of microaggressions in therapy. Multiracial microaggressions in the present study included: avoiding/minimizing race in therapy; denial of multiracial reality; stereotypical assumptions based on race; second-class status and treatment of multiracial people. Microaggressions negatively impacted the therapy experience such that many clients who experienced microaggressions felt worse, struggled with the dilemma of whether or not to confront microaggressions, became more guarded, felt therapy was not helpful, and ended therapy early. In addition to the themes of microaggressions in therapy, the present study also highlighted a number of positive ways that therapists addressed race with their multiracial clients. Results from the present study highlight both challenges and opportunities of doing culturally sensitive work with multiracial individuals.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediumdoctoral dissertations
dc.identifierFoster_colostate_0053A_12489.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10217/83740
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2000-2019
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.subjectmixed race individuals
dc.subjectmicroaggressions
dc.subjectmulticultural therapy
dc.subjectmultiracial identity
dc.subjectpsychotherapy with biracial and multiracial clients
dc.titleMicroaggressions and the experiences of multiracial clients in psychotherapy: a qualitative investigation
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplinePsychology
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
Foster_colostate_0053A_12489.pdf
Size:
2.61 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download

Collections

2000-2019
Theses and Dissertations