A phenomenological/consensual qualitative study of clients' lived experiences of cross-racial therapy was conducted to enhance our understanding of whether, how, and under what conditions race matters in the therapy relationship. The sample consisted of 16 racial/ethnic minority clients who received treatment from 16 White, European American therapists across a range of treatment settings. Participants who reported a satisfying experience of cross-racial therapy (n=8) were examined in relation to gender-and in most cases, race/ethnicity-matched controls (n=8) who reported an overall unsatisfying experience. Therapy satisfaction was assessed during the screening process and confirmed during the research interview. Therapy narratives were analyzed using consensual qualitative research to identify the client, therapist, and relational factors that distinguished satisfied from unsatisfied cases. Findings reveal substantial differences at the level of individual characteristics and relational processes, providing evidence of both universal (etic) as well as culture/context-specific (emic) aspects of healing relationships. Recommendations for facilitating positive alliance formation in cross-racial therapy are provided based on clients' descriptions of facilitative conditions in the therapy relationship. KeywordsRacial/ethnic matching; psychotherapy; therapeutic alliance; phenomenology With the quickening pace of population growth among racial and ethnic minorities in North America, interracial encounters in the therapy context are becoming increasingly common. A 2007 survey of 20,046 American Psychological Association (APA) members indicated that 86% of respondents already provide services to racial and ethnic minority clients (APA Research Office, 2003). However, the bulk of these services continue to be provided by White, European American therapists despite efforts to diversify the mental health workforce. While there are a number of visible markers of difference (e.g., gender, social class, age), race and ethnicity have been identified as particularly salient for both therapists and clients (Comas-Diaz & Jacobsen, 1991). As a result, multicultural counseling competence guidelines have highlighted the importance of attending to racial and ethnic issues in particular as they impact the therapy relationship (Sue, Arredondo, & McDavis, 1992).Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to Doris F. Chang, Department of Psychology, New School for Social Research, 80 Fifth Avenue, 7 th Floor, New York, NY 10011, changd@newschool.edu. Publisher's Disclaimer: The following manuscript is the final accepted manuscript. It has not been subjected to the final copyediting, fact-checking, and proofreading required for formal publication. It is not the definitive, publisher-authenticated version. The American Psychological Association and its Council of Editors disclaim any responsibility or liabilities for errors or omissions of this manuscript version, any version derived from this manuscript by NIH, or o...

Background-Among Hispanics, Non-Hispanic Whites and Non-Hispanic Blacks studies have found lower risk for psychiatric disorders among the foreign-born than among the US-born. We examine the association of nativity and risk for psychiatric disorder in a national sample of the AsianAmerican (AA) population.

The authors tested the hypothesis that race bias in teacher evaluations may be problem specific by examining the extent to which ratings of child behavior were influenced by the interaction between the race of the child and the type of presenting behavior. Teachers (N = 197) were presented with three vignettes (overcontrolled, undercontrolled, and "normal"), systematically paired with a photograph of a male child (African American, Asian American, or Caucasian). Respondents rated the seriousness, referability, and typicality of the behavior; the child's family life; academic ability and performance; and causal dimensions. Although results did not reveal a bias in the ratings of African American students, data suggest that stereotypes remain embedded in teachers' interpretive framework for Asian Americans, particularly regarding expectations of overcontrolled traits.

Although the Chinese have been exposed to Western psychotherapies since the 1950s, the practice of counseling is a relatively new phenomenon. In this article, we trace the development of counseling in China, examine its cultural and practical relevance, and review recent advances in training and practice. Although heavily influenced by Western models, contemporary Chinese approaches to counseling reflect the philosophical traditions, cultural history, and indigenous help-seeking practices of a rapidly modernizing society. The increasing popularization of psychotherapy in China is analyzed in the context of the changing social and economic climate and the crises and opportunities that accompany Chinese life in the 21st century.

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In this consensual qualitative research study, 23 ethnic minority clients were interviewed to assess perceptions of race in their recent therapy with a White therapist. Participants' responses were coded into an average of seven (out of 22) categories. The majority believed that White therapists could not understand key aspects of their experiences and subsequently avoided broaching racial/cultural issues in therapy. However, many felt that racial differences were minimized if the therapist was compassionate, accepting, and comfortable discussing racial, ethnic and/or cultural (REC) issues. A subgroup expressed positive expectancies of racial mismatch, and perceived disadvantages associated with racial matching. Results suggest that participants' constructions of race are multidimensional and support recommendations that therapists acquire skills for addressing racial perceptions that may impact the therapy relationship.

Chinese Taoist cognitive psychotherapy (CTCP) combines elements of cognitive therapy and Taoist philosophy. Empirical evidence of its efficacy and mechanisms of action is lacking. This study compared the efficacy of CTCP, benzodiazepines (BDZ), and combined treatment in Chinese patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In total, 143 patients with GAD were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: CTCP only, BDZ only, or combined CTCP and BDZ treatment. Patients were evaluated at intake, and re-examined one and six months after treatment. The results indicated that BDZ treatment rapidly reduced symptoms of GAD at one month, but its effect was lost at six months. CTCP reduced symptoms more slowly and its effect was significant after six months of treatment. Combined treatment led to acute, as well as enduring, symptom reduction. Unlike BDZ treatment, CTCP reduced type A behavior, improved coping style, and decreased neuroticism. It is concluded that CTCP with or without BDZ treatment is a more effective, although slower, method for the treatment of GAD than BDZ for GAD patients in urban China.

This study provides the first national estimates of the prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among Asian Americans. Population estimates are based on data from 1470 Asian Americans interviewed for the National Latino and Asian American Study. Interviews were conducted in English, Chinese, Tagalog, or Vietnamese. Results suggest that rates of IPV among Asian Americans are low compared to the general U.S. population. Minor violence victimization by a current intimate partner was reported by 10.2% of women and 12.0% of Asian American men. Notably, a greater proportion of participants admitted having perpetrated IPV than having been a victim. Predictors of IPV included younger age, higher SES, alcohol- and substance-use disorders, depression, ethnicity, and being U.S.-born. Results suggest the need for additional research to examine the interactions between gender, ethnicity, and acculturation to develop group-specific models of IPV risk and resilience within diverse Asian American groups.