J. E. Helms's (1995b) White racial identity theory is said to resemble a pseudoscience in certain respects because its empirical support is based on the White Racial Identity Attitude Scale (J. E. Helms & R. T. Carter, 1990) in spite of consistent evidence that the instrument does not measure the constructs that the theory proposes.

Ethnic identity encompasses self concept and self identification, a sense of belonging, and positive and negative attitudes toward one's ethnic group. The author describes an exercise that introduces and facilitates awareness of the concept of ethnic identity by illustrating, with real life experiences and examples, the multidimensionality of…

Most identity development models are unidimensional and mutually independent. They rarely acknowledge multiple cultural identifications or their relationship to diversity-awareness training. This article discusses this relationship in a four-stage conceptual model for diversity identity development and its implications for the design, structuring,…

Raises a number of critical questions for scale development and theorizing in the field of Black racial identity. In particular, the authors suggest that research on Black racial identity would benefit from longitudinal studies and the examination of the existence of overarching racial identity constructs. (Contains 35 references, 1 table, and an…

Examines the relationship between acculturation and racial identity among African Americans. One hundred eighty-seven African American students completed the Black Racial Identity Attitude Scale and the African American Acculturation Scale (AAAS). Acculturation was associated with three of the five AAAS subscales: Dissonance, Immersion, and…

Factors affecting ethnic identity and other group orientation were assessed in 115 college students from 5 ethnic groups. Ethnic group self-identification, negative and positive interracial experiences, perceptions of racial bias, social support, just-world beliefs, and psychological distress were each associated with various components of ethnic…

This article describes the current status of biracial youth in the United States to enhance readers' awareness of the increasing numerical significance of this population and the problems and issues they face, especially in identity development. Examples of biracial-specific strategies and interventions are offered for consideration by helping…

Describes the theoretical and empirical evolution of the revised Cross nigrescence identity model (W. E. Cross, 1991) in the context of developing a new multidimensional measure, the Cross Racial Identity Scale. The research resulted in an expanded nigrescence model, and preliminary factor analytic strategies support the existence of 6 subscales.…

Reviews four training strategies for applying socioidentity analysis to multicultural counseling; the Clarification Group (C Group); the Personal Dimensions of Difference Self-Inventory (PDD); the Multifactor Needs Assessment; and the Cultural Grid. Each highlights a slightly different aspect of the complex matrix of relationships that define the…

Reliability and validity of the Orthogonal Cultural Identification Scale (OCIS) were evaluated in a sample of Asian American university students. Ethnic identification, measured using the OCIS, and acculturation, measured using the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale are hypothesized to measure related but separate constructs.…

Study examines parental factors that influence career development among African American and Mexican American college students. Analysis of student interviews reveals that parents are influential in the following career domains: encouragement, educational expectations, critical life events, vicarious learning, and work identity. Career development…

The cultural world of the Two Spirit, the traditional role of Native individuals believed to possess both male and female spirit, is explored in both "old ways" and current-day experiences. Cultural beliefs and meanings around sexual identity are discussed from a Native perspective with recommendations for counseling Two Spirit clients.…

Examines the underlying factors of the Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development's (AMCD) Multicultural Competencies. Surveys 151 professional counselors on items reflecting AMCD's multicultural competencies and Explanatory Statements. An exploratory factor analysis reveals five multicultural competencies factors: Awareness,…

This article summarizes major themes associated with 3 literatures regarding pedagogy and training about diversity issues: (a) the diversity feminisms, (b) the multicultural education literature, and (c) the literature on multicultural counselor training. In addition to providing a brief overview of multiple approaches within these 3 literatures,…