Thomas A. Parham

Cycles of Psychological Nigrescence

This article is an attempt to expand the descriptive characteristics of the Cross model by discussing a theory of psychological Nigrescence that hypothesizes the changes in racial identity that a Black person can experience at various points in the life-cycle process. In this discussion, I will attempt to describe how various stages of racial identity are manifest at three periods of life: late adolescence/early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood. I will conclude with a discussion of the implications for counseling Blacks who display varying degrees of racial identity attitudes.

The Relationship of Demographic and Background Factors to Racial Identity Attitudes.

During the previous decade, the explosion of research articles in the nigrescence area has contributed significantly to the understanding of the relationship between racial identity attitudes and other psychological constructs. In some respects, research that attempts to further develop the theoretical constructs of the nigrescence models has yielded to those studies that attempt to apply the modeL Using the Cross model of psychological nigrescence, the present study sought to build on the work by Cross, Parham and Helms, especially Parham s recent efforts to elaborate on those factors that might influence the development of a persons racial identity attitudes. Questions regarding specific factors that instigate a persons movement through the stages are explored, as well as questions about various identity resolution alternatives.

Toward a Meaningful Spirituality for People of Color: Lessons for the Counseling Practitioner.

This article attempts to capture a significant aspect of the counseling process for people of color: the spiritual dimension. It is argued that spirit and spirituality are relevant dimensions that should be integrated in counseling because spirituality is a key ingredient in the cultural upbringing and socialization of many people of color. Further, religious and spiritual beliefs are affected by experiences of racism and oppression, which then affects psychological coping. Reflective guidelines are offered to understand the essence of spirituality and cultural diversity, and lessons for the practitioner are recommended.

Culturally Adaptive Counseling Skills: Demonstrations of Evidence-Based Practices

A key supplement for courses on multicultural counseling, this book is a practical volume that will help faculty and students see demonstrations of multicultural counseling in practice. The text covers evidence-based practices for working with five major ethnic groups, while weaving in other factors such as gender, disability, sexuality, and more. Each chapter has two case studies by an invited expert who also provides commentary and lesson drawing upon each case. The authors will generously donate a percentage of their book royalties to the following organizations: The National Latina/o Psychological Association, The Society of Indian Psychologists, The Samoan Community Development Center, The Association of Black Psychologist* and The 100 Black Men of Orange County*. * Donations to latter two organizations are given directly by the co-author to the organizations Features:

Derald Wing Sue: From All of the Places We've Been

The personal and professional accomplishments of one of psychology’s most accomplished and prolific scholars are profiled in this article. Dr. Derald Wing Sue is a familiar name to many who traverse the landscape of multicultural counseling and Asian American psychology issues. Yet this article affords the reader a rare glimpse into the mindset of a contemporary figure considered by many to be a cultural icon. In chronicling a career spanning four decades, this article highlights both the challenges and opportunities Dr. Sue has managed in both the personal and professional domains of his life. Also revealed are the complexities of his psychological development as a person of Chinese American descent and how his identity crystallization serves as a conceptual template for his academic instruction, therapeutic practice, and research endeavors. The article also serves as a tribute to Dr. Sue, as voiced from the perspective of students, friends, and colleagues alike.