Ethnocultural resistance to multicultural training: students and faculty

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Education
• Social Psychology in Academia

Background:

• Diversity courses in mental health programs present unique challenges for faculty.
• Student emotional reactions like anger, silence, and avoidance are common.
• Students of color face distinct resistances due to personal experiences and identity development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the experiences of students of color in diversity courses.
• To identify the unique forms of resistance encountered by these students.
• To provide faculty with strategies for addressing student resistance.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of student experiences in diversity courses.
• Exploration of resistance patterns at different stages of the learning process.
• Focus on issues of racism, identity development, and acculturation.

Main Results:

• Students of color exhibit specific resistances influenced by their lived experiences.
• Resistance impedes instructor-student communication and trust-building.
• Lack of experience with racism and identity issues contributes to resistance.

Conclusions:

• Faculty need to understand the unique resistances of students of color.
• Developing appropriate responses is essential for effective pedagogy.
• Addressing resistance fosters a more inclusive and productive learning environment.