VISTAS Online is an innovative publication produced for ACA by Dr. Garry R. Walz and Dr. Jeanne C. Bleuer of Counseling Outfitters, LLC. Its purpose is to provide a means of capturing the ideas, information and experiences generated by the annual ACA Conference and selected ACA Division Conferences. Papers on a program or practice that has been validated through research or experience may also be submitted. This digital collection of peer-reviewed articles is authored by counselors, for counselors. VISTAS Online contains the full text of over 900 proprietary counseling articles published from 2004 to 2017.
2016
Self-Identity: A Key to Black Student Success
Andrea T. J. Ross, Angela M. Powell, and Richard C. Henriksen, Jr.
2016
Many Black students opt out of postsecondary education programs due to feelings of microaggressions, psychological distress, cultural mistrust, and a loss of a sense of self-worth. Self-identity can be instrumental in addressing obstacles that hinder the academic success of Black doctoral students in counselor education programs at predominately White institutions (PWIs). The relationship between positive selfidentity, academic success, and the psychological well-being of Black students is explored through a literature review. When Black students strongly identify with their cultural heritage, there is an increase in their self-esteem, self-efficacy, and academic motivation. This phenomenon is important to the academic and professional development of Black students at PWIs. The authors present recommendations to address the disparities of Black doctoral students in counselor education programs. Strategies for counselor education programs and Black student recruitment and retention in counselor education doctoral programs are discussed as well as implications for further research.
Keywords: self-identity, multicultural competency, racial identity, academic barriers, academic success, microaggressions, mentorship