A qualitative inquiry of microaffirmation experiences among culturally diverse graduate students

Koch, Julie M.; Knutson, Douglas; Loche, LaTrice; Loche, Rogers W.; Lee, Hang-Shim; Federici, Dillon J.

doi:10.1007/s12144-020-00811-3

Cited by 6 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…First of all, most of our participants reported that interpersonal support from their supervisors or trainers helped them to increase their confidence in clinical training. Consistent with micro-affirmation research (Koch et al, 2020), supervisors could use micro-affirming and encouraging comments to empower international counseling trainees who struggle with unique crosscultural challenges. Micro-affirming comments could include recognizing and respecting international counseling trainees' different cultural values or identity.…”

Section: Implications For Research Practice Advocacy Education and Tr...mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Cross-Cultural Practicum Training Experiences of Asian International Counseling Students

Lee

Knutson

Koch

et al. 2022

The Counseling Psychologist

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Despite the call to internationalize counseling psychology and calls for improved mentoring to Asian international students enrolled in counseling psychology training programs, there is a dearth of literature to help trainers understand this population’s clinical training experiences. The present study explored the practicum experiences of Asian international students ( N = 10) in counseling psychology programs using the consensual qualitative research method. Data analysis yielded five domains: Learning Outcomes, Challenges, Resources, Behavioral Strategies, and Suggestions. Participants described how they navigated their cross-cultural practicum training in the face of unique challenges and how they adapted, as well as relied on support systems. As our participants reflected on their cross-cultural clinical training experiences, they shared the lessons they learned and provided suggestions for current and future international students, supervisors, and programs. Scholarly and practical implications for this population are discussed.

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Section: Implications For Research Practice Advocacy Education and Tr...mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Cross-Cultural Practicum Training Experiences of Asian International Counseling Students

Lee

Knutson

Koch

et al. 2022

The Counseling Psychologist

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“…One of the most researched forms of TGD discrimination is microaggressions, which are brief verbal or nonverbal cues that indicate hostility (Sue et al, 2007). There is often a “thin line between microaffirmation and microaggression”; at times, this distinction may be determined solely by a speaker's tone of voice, the perceived authenticity of their comment, or the level of emphasis used, which can be appropriate or inappropriate depending on the context (Koch et al, 2020, p. 6). Microaggressions result in a wide variety of emotional and behavioral reactions, including social withdrawal and feelings of weariness and apathy (Parr & Howe, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Novel research suggests that micro affirmations, or brief occurrences that indicate a safe or affirming person or environment, inspire feelings of empowerment, positive emotions, connectedness, and wellness in TGD individuals (Koch et al, 2020). One recent qualitative study conducted with TGD youth found that gender‐affirming language is connected to positive well‐being and thus can be considered a form of environmental minority resilience (Goffnett & Paceley, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“It's the Environment, Not Me”: Experiences shared by transgender and gender diverse adults living in Texas

Clary

Goffnett

King

et al. 2022

Journal Community Psychology

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Transgender and gender diverse people (TGD) experience elevated rates of behavioral health problems, including depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and suicidality.Minority stressors (e.g., discrimination and victimization) contribute to these poor health outcomes. A salient form of discrimination is the use of gender nonaffirming language, such as using incorrect pronouns or names, yet less is known about other environmental stimuli that may be reined as affirming or nonaffirming. A recent study uncovered the impact symbols (e.g., flags, stickers) may have on invoking positive or negative feelings among TGD youth in the Midwest. Our study further investigates this phenomenon with TGD adults in Texas. During Summer 2021, 3 researchers conducted audio-recorded semistructured focus groups and interviews with 11 participants who identified as transgender, gender nonconforming, or nonbinary. Interview topics included gender-affirming and nonaffirming language, positive and negative experiences, nonsupportive and supportive symbolism, and coping mechanisms. In this manuscript, we present findings regarding symbolism. Within our two primary themes, supportive and nonsupportive symbolism, subthemes

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“…The awareness of bias and use of microaggressions has been a popular conversation as school counselors work toward advocacy and social justice efforts (Betters-Bubon et al, 2022). The research literature clearly highlights the negative impact microaggressions can have on cultural and racial minority populations (Koch et al, 2022;Pérez Huber et al, 2021;Rolón-Dow & Davison, 2021;Solórzano et al, 2020), persons with disabilities (Eisenman et al, 2020), and the LGBTQIA + population (Anzani et al, 2019;DeLucia & Smith, 2021;Pulice-Farrow et al, 2019). Given the impact of microaggressions, considering ways to counter these deleterious effects is vital for school counselors.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…One skill/topic to consider is the use of microaffirmations, small gestures toward others that show positive support for students from marginalized populations (Rowe, 2008). The impact of microaffirmations has been studied on college campuses (Koch et al, 2022;Rolón-Dow & Davison, 2018), in the clinical counseling setting (Anzani et al, 2019;DeLucia & Smith, 2021), and in social justice literature (Eisenman et al, 2020;Solarzano et al, 2020); however, research on the topic in school counseling and the K-12 setting is lacking. This article describes microaffirmations and the benefits of implementing microaffirmations in school settings, and proposes a layered framework for implementation within school communities.…”

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confidence: 99%

Microaffirmations: Small Gestures Toward Equity and Advocacy

Boyce-Rosen

Mecadon-Mann

2023

Professional School Counseling

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The practice of using microaffirmations enables positive outcomes through small acts of active listening that encourage feelings of inclusion and shared cultural intimacy. Microaffirmations can be intersectional and are beneficial to a wide range of populations, including people of color, LGBTQIA + individuals, and people with disabilities. School counselors are trained and positioned to have knowledge of practical, evidence-based interventions to help school communities process the negative impacts of microaggressions and daily racism. This article describes the benefits of implementing microaffirmations in school settings and proposes a layered framework for implementation within school communities. We discuss recommendations for training faculty and staff on using microaffirmations and implications for school counselor practice. We also address the importance of using evidence-based school counseling practices as part of framework implementation.

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A qualitative inquiry of microaffirmation experiences among culturally diverse graduate students

Cited by 6 publications

References 17 publications

The Cross-Cultural Practicum Training Experiences of Asian International Counseling Students

The Cross-Cultural Practicum Training Experiences of Asian International Counseling Students

“It's the Environment, Not Me”: Experiences shared by transgender and gender diverse adults living in Texas

Microaffirmations: Small Gestures Toward Equity and Advocacy

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