Survey of the Professional Needs of Division 17's Ethnic and Racial Minority Psychologists

Abstract

Members of Division 17's Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Committee surveyed ethnic and racial minority psychologists in the Division of Counseling Psychology to solicit their perceptions about their professional needs and experiences. Survey results revealed three important professional needs related to multicultural issues: increased sensitivity to multicultural concerns by colleagues and training programs, inclusion of a greater number of ethnic and racial minority psychologists in leadership positions, and more visibility of ethnic and racial minority psychologists in the profession. Some respondents reported that although their involvement in multicultural issues was personally and professionally rewarding, they had some concerns about their colleagues' tendency to see their work in this area as less valuable. Lastly, many respondents expressed their desire for Division 17 to increase the representation of ethnic and racial minorities in its general membership and in its leadership positions and to provide more opportunities for networking.