Sullivan, Queen-Ayanna Considering Cultural Influences on the Construct of Professionalism in Counseling Psychology: A Qualitative Study. 2025. Radford University, Dissertation. Radford University Scholars' Repository.
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Abstract
This study aimed to address gaps in the literature by examining cultural influences on professionalism in Counseling Psychology. The study was guided by the following research question: How do cultural factors influence the construct of professionalism in American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited Counseling Psychology doctoral programs? Culture has been defined as “a set of guidelines regarding values, beliefs, attitudes, social roles, emotions, and behaviors for living.” This paper begins by providing a background on professionalism as a construct, a core competency area within professional psychology. Then, a brief history of psychology, Black psychology, and Counseling Psychology are outlined. Emphasis is placed on racism, anti-Black racism, race-based traumatic stress, and Dr. Janet Helms’ paradigm of White Heterosexual Male Privilege (WHMP) rooted in United States (U.S.) society, particularly in higher education institutions. Grounded theory methodology was used for data collection and analysis. Eligibility for participation in this study included individuals over 18 who self-identify as Black or African American women and are currently enrolled full-time in an APA-accredited Counseling Psychology doctoral program. Virtual focus groups were implemented to collect data using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Professionalism is a societal construct that can shift concerning contextual factors, including culture. This is particularly important for Counseling Psychology graduate students with historically marginalized identities, such as Black women, whose representation in the field is minimal.
| Item Type: | Dissertation |
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| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology |
| Divisions: | Radford University > College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences > Department of Psychology |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Sep 2025 20:42 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Sep 2025 20:42 |
| URI: | http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/1252 |
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