Microaggressions are defined as “unconscious and unintentional expressions of bias and prejudice toward socially devalued groups” (Sue, 2010a, p. vii). This qualitative exploratory research study examined the impact of perceived racial microaggressions on the therapeutic alliance from the perspective of adult persons of color. Psychological and sociocultural theoretical frameworks including the microaggression process model; rupture and repair in psychotherapy; critical race theory; racial identity development; social cognition; implicit bias; and affect-focused, and psychodynamic object relations theory, formed the foundation of the current study. The twelve participants, who identified as having experienced a microaggression as a patient in psychotherapy, were recruited through a network sample. Through semi-structured interviews, the study examined specific research questions regarding the type of microaggressions experienced, their impact, attempts or barriers to repair, attitudes toward therapy, and suggestions for clinicians to engage in more culturally effective work. A grounded theory approach (Corbin & Strauss, 2014) was used to organize data and develop categories into cohesive themes that informed conclusions and implications for future research and practice. Central themes resulting from the study included: a) significance of the subjectivity, including the social location, of both patient and therapist; b) hypervisibility and invisibility of people of color longing to be seen and heard authentically; c) therapist dismissal and emphasis on deficits in discussing race in therapy; d) patient hesitance to verbalize reactions; e) underrepresentation of clinicians of color in the mental health field; f) suggestions for therapists from the patient point of view; and g) potential conceptualization of rupture as a micro-trauma and repair as posttraumatic growth. The limitations of the study and the implications for future research, clinical training, and culturally-informed practice are discussed.
Subject (authority = RUETD)
Topic
Clinical Psychology
Subject (authority = LCSH)
Topic
Cultural awareness
Subject (authority = LCSH)
Topic
Intercultural communication
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Title
Rutgers University Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Identifier (type = RULIB)
ETD
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ETD_9057
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electronic resource
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application/pdf
InternetMediaType
text/xml
Extent
1 online resource (xii, 186 p.)
Note (type = degree)
Psy.D.
Note (type = bibliography)
Includes bibliographical references
Note (type = statement of responsibility)
by Mercedes J. Okosi
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TitleInfo
Title
Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology Electronic Theses and Dissertations
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rucore10001800001
Location
PhysicalLocation (authority = marcorg); (displayLabel = Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)
Rutgers University. Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
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License
Name
Author Agreement License
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