Multicultural psychology is a discipline that is closely related to cross-cultural psychology and in fact is difficult to make that distinction ( Weiner, Freedheim, Schinka, &Gallagher, 2003). Multicultural psychology focuses on individuals with ethnic

MULTICULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY

Multicultural Psychology

Anthony Stamatouras

University of Phoenix

May 3, 2010

Multicultural Psychology

Multicultural psychology is something that is relevant in this day and age. Today, with a vast number of people of different minority attachments living together, the idea of multicultural psychology is a good thing. Multicultural psychology is a discipline that is closely related to cross-cultural psychology and in fact is difficult to make that distinction ( Weiner, Freedheim, Schinka, &Gallagher, 2003). Multicultural psychology focuses on individuals with ethnic or minority backgrounds and is important in the field of psychology today.

What is multicultural psychology exactly? The psychology department of Wheaton College defines it as follows: "Multicultural psychology is the systematic study of all aspects of human behavior as it occurs in settings where people of different cultural backgrounds encounter each other" ("Multicultural Psychology," 2008). In the United States, there is attention to different racial groups, inter-marriage, minority adoptions and so forth. In Canada, there is attention to French and English differences as well as to the Natives who live there (Adair, Paivio & Ritchie, 1996). In most European nations there is turmoil among local populations and immigrants who have been established there. These are just examples as multicultural psychology embraces a host of issues.

It seems rather simple, but the history of multicultural psychology is vague. It exists, but there is not one theorist or theory that embraces or defines multicultural psychology completely. The history of multicultural psychology is attached to an interest in multicultural issues within the counseling and psychology fields (Reynolds & Constantine, 2004). In other words, multicultural psychology naturally emerged. The civil rights movement would see the beginnings of change and as society was more cognizant of different racial groups, the profession would also begin to take notice (Reynolds & Constantine, 2004). "Early writings in the area of multicultural psychology often addressed the issues and perspectives of specific racial groups in an effort to incorporate the voices of People of Color. This attention on consciousness raising and culturally relevant content was meant to increase the multicultural sensitivity and cultural knowledge of counselors and psychologists" (Reynolds & Constantine, 2004, p.346).

The beginnings of multicultural psychology were really accidental. There was attention to special needs due to necessity. There might for example be a marriage that includes two cultures and there is a clash between families. There might be a situation where someone who is in a minority group feels conflict about his or her identity. Certainly, attention should be paid to cultural differences and how an individual embraces his or her own cultural identity. While psychology did turn to differentiating culture, others in the field were concerned that an emphasis on a racial group for example might encourage stereotypes (Reynolds ...

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Criticism has emerged in respect to this specialty. However, there does seem to be a rationale for distinguishing multicultural psychology from ordinary psychology because individuals who seek help for their problems need certain issues addressed. A psychologist without experience in multicultural matters may not have a keen understanding of such issues. Again, some dilemmas involve how extended families of an intermarried couple get along. What are the problems that their children face? Someone who is a product of a mixed marriage may struggle with his or her own racial or ethnic identity. The importance of such matters are all too often minimized by traditional psychology. Further, the society is more and more diverse than ever before. With people coming together from different nations, and different cultures, there is a need to address different patterns of behavior and attitudes that exist amongst these groups. Again, the danger of stereotyping is certainly there, but ignoring differences is to ignore very pertinent information. Multicultural psychology can help in many areas of society, inclusive of counseling, but also in a business environment. Because of the unique nature of multicultural psychology, it should exist as a subspecialty of psychology.

Multicultural psychology enhances the positives of all cultures and the importance of diversity, it accepts the uniqueness of others based on race, religion, sex, and age. Single parenting needs to be included as well under the umbrella of multicultural psychology. Even if many single parents take all the appropriate actions for a total well being, some cannot perform in high levels or maintain all their responsibilities. To minimize incidents of child problems like school dropouts, early pregnancy and juvenile behavior, a single parent must learn to communicate well with the children. Knowing and understanding single parenting psychology and mental health will make us understand single parents and their children better . Individuals were provided with a better understanding about their own identity and ethnicity and it helps to view cultural differences as a strength and not a pathology.

The rationale which established multicultural psychology as a subspecialty was born in graduate programs with diverse populations. Research assisted this notion when it started reporting unreliable studies and stereotypes. New trends in demographics have placed an importance to multiculturalism because it expresses personal freedom and diversity.

Multicultural psychology has become a subspecialty because the APA ethical guidelines have made it imperative for mental health professionals to have formal training on cultural differences. Multicultural psychology proved that mental health professionals might be using unethical and harmful practices if they are not familiar with cultural backgrounds. Mental health professionals need to understand and be trained in all relative issues to provide the best possible services for all people. The cohesiveness from the past had no choice but to lift the tight controls which established its authority and inherent control. Multicultural trends, diverse population and a society that does not resemble no longer the white Anglo Saxon enabled this to become reality.

Multicultural psychology is merely the study of culture and how it influences human behavior. Just as anything important in the scope of psychology might be, culture makes a difference and is an important topic. Of course, it is also important not to lose sight of other relevant aspects of an individual's makeup, particularly in a counseling situation. Not all individuals from a certain background will have the same needs or disposition. That said, as multicultural psychology emerges as its own specialty, it becomes quite relevant in today's world where cultural issues seem to be plentiful.