Muninder K. Ahluwalia

The Pond You Fish In Determines the Fish You Catch Exploring Strategies for Qualitative Data Collection

Qualitative research has increased in popularity among social scientists. While substantial attention has been given to various methods of qualitative analysis, there is a need to focus on strategies for collecting diverse forms of qualitative data. In this article, the authors discuss four sources of qualitative data: participant observation, interviews, physical data, and electronic data. Although counseling psychology researchers often use interviewing, participant observation and physical and electronic data are also beneficial ways of collecting qualitative data that have been underutilized.

Ethnography in counseling psychology research: Possibilities for application

The emphasis placed on prolonged engagement, fieldwork, and participant observation has prevented wide-scale use of ethnography in counseling psychology. This article provides a discussion of ethnography in terms of definition, process, and potential ethical dilemmas. The authors propose that ethnographically informed methods can enhance counseling psychology research conducted with multicultural communities and provide better avenues toward a contextual understanding of diversity as it relates to professional inquiry. Ethnography constitutes a major focus in the psychological literature; however, debates continue regarding the usage of these qualitative methods (Denzin & Lincoln, 2000a). Despite the fact that ethnographic methods fall within the purview of postpositivism and constructivism–interpretivism frameworks, positivists, postpositivists, and postmodernists currently argue over the definition of ethnography and criteria for evaluating ethnographic work. This article seeks to explore the meanings and manifestations of ethnography, as well as the utility of these methods for counseling psychology. We begin with definitions of ethnography. Next, we delineate the various types of ethnography used in contemporary social science research. Third, we explore concrete strategies for conducting ethnographic research. Ethical concerns and practices to establish validity and trustworthiness are also highlighted. Finally, we provide a discussion of challenges and recommendations for future directions in the use of ethnographic methods in counseling psychology.

Independent and Interdependent Self-Construals, Individualism, Collectivism, and Harmony Control in African Americans.

The authors investigated the relationships among independent and interdependent self-construals (i.e., self-conceptualizations), dimensions of individualism and collectivism, and aspects of harmony control (i.e., the degree to which individuals are flexible in recognizing that their personal power stems from spiritual, social, and contextual forces) in a sample of 240 African American community college students. Results revealed that independent and interdependent self-construals and dimensions of individualism and collectivism were differentially related to various harmony control dimensions. Implications of the findings are discussed.

A Call to Integrate Religious Communities Into Practice The Case of Sikhs

Sikhs, an ethnic and religious minority group in the United States, have seen a significant shift in their social location since 9/11. They have experienced harassment and violence beyond race and ethnicity to the visible markers of the religion (e.g., turbans). In this article, we address how counseling psychology is uniquely positioned to work with Sikhs given these circumstances. We provide an overview of Sikh Americans, including specific experiences that may affect treatment such as race-based traumatic injury, identification as a part of a visible religious minority group, and the impact of historic community-level trauma. We discuss recommendations for practitioners working with Sikhs, recognizing how community-level interventions play an integral role and how institutions may serve as valuable allies and resources for practitioners to help better meet the Sikhs’ psychological needs in a culturally competent manner.

Two Decades of Research on the Problem Solving Inventory A Call for Empirical Clarity

Heppner, Witty, and Dixons review of 2 decades of research on the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) provides highlights of more than 120 studies relating problem-solving appraisal to psychological adjustment, physical health, coping, and educational and vocational issues. Although clearly an impressive body of literature, the level of data reported is uneven with attention to effect sizes (e.g., correlations) and sample descriptors (e.g., race/ethnicity, n size, gender). Acknowledging the importance of the PSI and this major review, we provide commentary on the need for a meta-analysis and the continual expansion of research on the PSI with respect to diversity issues (i.e., race/ethnicity, gender).

Violence Against Women in the Sikh Community

Violence against women remains a worldwide epidemic. South Asian women experience intimate partner violence at high rates. This chapter examines the impact of violence against Sikh women, within larger cultural contexts (e.g., Indian, Western). We highlight a few high-profile cases to unpack factors that impact violence against Sikh women. Discourse analysis is used to challenge the biased notion that violence against women is an inherent component of Indian culture. The authors discuss the historical formation of ascribed gender roles and the development of subsequent attitudes that influence the way women are viewed culturally. Particular attention is given to the intersectionality of identities and their influence on the way violence against women is perceived, passively accepted, and internalized. The sociopolitical context of Sikhism and its formation as a response to the hierarchical nature of other religions and historical context is also explored. Finally, the chapter provides advocacy and intervention strategies for service providers and community groups working with this population.

Sikhism and Positive Psychology

This chapter outlines Sikh religion’s history, beliefs, and symbols; and discusses the religion’s contribution to positive functioning and well-being for the Sikh community. In particular, Sikhism’s emphasis on interdependence, community service, and social justice are viewed through the positive psychology framework as described by Dahlsgaard, Peterson, and Seligman (Rev Gen Psychol 9(3):203–213, 2005), with reference to Seligman and Csikszentimihalyi (Am Psychol 55:5–14, 2000). A discussion is provided on how Sikhs have capitalized on strengths to lead more satisfying and meaningful lives in the face of discrimination and hate crimes. For psychologists, this information is helpful in understanding how religion can be an important source of strength and resilience for individuals, families, and communities in the face of current challenges.