Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
04:37
The Sol Braiding Method for Handling Thick Hair During Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: An Address for Potential Bias in Brain Stimulation
Published on: August 9, 2024
Racism in the science and practice of psychotherapy
Richard E Redding1, Craig L Frisby2
1Dale E. Fowler School of Law and Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences (Department of Psychology), Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Racism allegations can stifle scientific debate, hindering progress in psychology and clinical practice. This paper examines the microaggressions controversy to advocate for open inquiry and effective cognitive behavioral therapy.
Area of Science:
- Psychological Science
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- A controversy arose regarding whether critical views on microaggressions theory are racist.
- This reflects a trend of racism allegations chilling scientific debate and open inquiry.
- This politicization of science negatively impacts research progress and clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the microaggressions controversy as a case study.
- To challenge arguments that equate critiques of microaggressions theory with racism.
- To propose a path forward for scientific advancement in clinical psychology.
Main Methods:
- Discourse analysis of the controversy in The Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.
- Examination of arguments linking critiques of microaggressions to racism allegations.
- Philosophical and methodological critique of politicized science.
Main Results:
- The microaggressions controversy exemplifies how accusations of racism can impede scientific discussion.
- Arguments used to label critiques as racist are often applied broadly across psychological science.
- The paper challenges the validity and utility of these arguments.
Conclusions:
- Racism allegations can create an antiscientific climate, harming psychological research and practice.
- A more productive approach involves rigorous scientific debate, free from undue politicization.
- Advancing clinical psychological science requires protecting open inquiry to improve psychotherapeutic services, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy.
Related Concept Videos
02:55Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Humans are very diverse and although we share many similarities, we also have many differences. The social groups we belong to help form our identities (Tajfel, 1974). These differences may be difficult for some people to reconcile, which may lead to prejudice toward people who are different. Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on one’s membership in a particular social group (Allport, 1954; Brown, 2010). Prejudice is common against people who are...
01:28Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a versatile, nonmedical approach aimed at helping individuals address emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues to enhance their overall well-being. It can involve one-on-one sessions, couples counseling, or small group discussions with a therapist. The therapeutic process includes various techniques such as open discussion, interpretation of thoughts and behaviors, active listening, positive reinforcement, and role modeling. Psychotherapy aims to support individuals in...
01:24Humanistic Psychology
Humanistic psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the deterministic and pessimistic nature of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. While behaviorism focused on observable behaviors influenced by the environment and psychoanalysis delved into unconscious motivations, both theories suggested that human actions lacked free will. In contrast, humanistic psychology offers a perspective that emphasizes the innate potential for goodness and growth within every individual.
This approach...
This approach...
01:25Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
Research has highlighted several critical factors that influence the effectiveness of psychotherapy, such as the therapeutic alliance, the therapist, and the client.
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
01:29Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapies emphasize the exploration of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences as fundamental contributors to psychological difficulties. These therapies, deeply rooted in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, aim to uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts, granting individuals insights that promote emotional and behavioral healing. Contemporary psychodynamic approaches have evolved, integrating a broader range of influences and methodologies while still valuing the...
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...