Student perceptions of multicultural training and program climate in clinical psychology doctoral programs.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2020
Abstract
The current investigation assessed clinical psychology doctoral student perceptions of their program’s multicultural training and program climate regarding multiculturalism. The study employed an online mixed-methods, cross-sectional design, with graduate student participants from American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited clinical psychology programs across the United States. Participants (N = 397) completed self-report quantitative and qualitative measures of perceptions of their program’s multicultural training and program climate regarding multiculturalism. Results demonstrated that perceptions differed by important demographics (e.g., lower perceptions of multicultural training and program climate among self-identified Black students compared with non-Hispanic White students) and program characteristics (e.g., higher scores in those aware of a program-specific diversity committee). Qualitative data indicated important areas of growth for their programs, including integrating diversity training throughout the curriculum, recruiting and retaining underrepresented students and faculty, expanding experiential opportunities to gain exposure to multiculturalism, and reducing the variability among faculty in their responsiveness and willingness to address student concerns regarding multiculturalism. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)Public Significance Statement—This study provides important insight into the current state of clinical psychology graduate student perceptions of multicultural training and program climate around multicultural issues. The study also highlights tangible areas in which graduate programs can intervene to improve program climate and enhance graduate students’ perceptions of their multicultural training. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Training and Education in Professional Psychology
First Page
293
Last Page
307
Recommended Citation
Gregus, S., Stevens, K., Seivert, N., Tucker, R., & Callahan, J. (2020). Student perceptions of multicultural training and program climate in clinical psychology doctoral programs.. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 14 (4), 293-307. https://doi.org/10.1037/tep0000289