Culturally sensitive and effective psychologists: a challenge for the 1980s.

Abstract

A random sample of accredited graduate psychology departments and internship programs were surveyed to examine current efforts at integrating ethnic minority content into curricula and training. Additional information was sought on faculty development efforts and needs relative to integration of such content. Of the 121 department chair respondents, 80 affirmed inclusion of ethnic minority content in curricula. Integration was mainly found through provision of elective courses. Seventy internship directors responded, with 45 acknowledging ethnic minority content in their programs. However, only 36% of this content was found in "most of the program." Over 30% of both the departments and internship programs reported no efforts to integrate ethnic minority content into curricula or training. Faculty development efforts in both the academic and applied settings were also found to be minimal. However, the need existed to provide faculty with basic resource materials, guidelines, and approaches, as well as training in integrating ethnic minority content. Department chairs perceived summer institutes for faculty as a mechanism for fulfilling ethnic minority content requirements. Internship directors perceived continuing education programs as most advantageous. Issues regarding the implications of the apparent dearth of ethnic minority content in psychology are discussed.