THE COMPARISON OF WHITE RACIAL IDENTITY ATTITUDES AMONG FACULTY AND STUDENTS - IMPLICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Research on the influence of racial differences in multicultural therapeutic relationships has shown racial identity attitudes to be a critical factor in determining therapeutic relationship quality and therapeutic outcomes, such as premature termination (Helms, 1990). The Racial Identity Interaction Model was proposed to explain cross-cultural relationships in social dyads and groups where power differentials exist (Helms, 1990). The authors combine results from 2 previously published studies to determine whether differences in racial identity exist in the faculty-student relationship. White racial identity attitudes of faculty and students were examined, and differences were obtained. Gender differences in attitude were also found. Implications for providing psychological services in an environment with increasing racial tensions are discussed.