Guidelines on Multicultural Education, Training,
Research, Practice, and Organizational Change for Psychologists
American Psychological Association
Approved as APA Policy by the APA Council of Representatives, August, 2002
Conclusion
Psychology has been traditionally defined by and based upon Western,
Eurocentric, and biological perspectives and assumptions. These traditional premises in
psychological education, research, practice, and organizational change, and have not
always considered the influence and impact of racial and cultural socialization. They also
have not considered that the effects of related biases have, at times, been detrimental to
the increasingly complex needs of clients and the public interest. These Guidelines were
designed to aid psychologists as they increase their knowledge and skills in multicultural
education, training, research, practice and organizational change.
Readers will note that these Guidelines are scheduled to expire in 2009. This
document was intended as a living document. The empirical research on which the
rationale for the various guidelines are based will continue to expand, as will legislation
and practices related to an increasingly diverse population. The integration of the
psychological constructs of racial and ethnic identity into psychological theory, research,
and therapy has only just begun. Psychologists are starting to investigate the differential
impact of historical, economic, and sociopolitical forces on individuals' behavior and
perceptions. Psychology will continue to develop a deeper knowledge and awareness of
race and ethnicity in psychological constructs, and to actively respond by integrating the
psychological aspects of race and ethnicity into the various areas of application in psychology. It is anticipated that, with this increased knowledge base and effectiveness
of applications, the Guidelines will continue to evolve over the next seven years.
