Methodological and Content Review of Lesbian-, Gay-, and Bisexual-Related Articles in Counseling Journals: 1990-1999

Despite the reduction of overt heterosexist biases in the psychological literature, questions exist about the content and methodology of articles on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues in the counseling literature. This study provides a content and methodological analysis of 119 LGB-related articles that were published in eight major counseling journals from 1990-1999 and extends past reviews by examining issues related to bisexuality. Increasing integration of LGB issues in the counseling literature was apparent, as were methodological improvements in empirical research. Various limitations also emerged, such as the need for more theory-based research, instrument development, and attention to within-group differences (e.g., bisexual people and LGB people of color). Findings are discussed against the backdrop of the sociopolitical context of American psychology, with an emphasis on implications for future LGB-related research, practice, and training.

The role of critical consciousness in multicultural practice: examining how its strength becomes its limitation

Given the strengths of developing critical consciousness in multicultural practice, why do roadblocks persist? This article examines how the strengths of developing critical consciousness in multicultural practice can paradoxically become its limitation. Literatures from counseling psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, social work, feminist theory, and critical theory are integrated in a discussion of the various components and strengths involved in working toward critical consciousness. This literature is then used to discuss some of the cognitive and affective limitations to achieving critical consciousness. Implications for practice are discussed.

Asian and Pacific Island American students' acculturation and etiology beliefs about typical counseling presenting problems

Asian American Pacific Island college students (N = 93) completed measures of acculturation and mental health worldview, in the form of beliefs about the likely causes of 24 typical counseling presenting problems. A criterion sample of 27 staff from 2 university counseling centers reported their beliefs about the most likely cause of the same 24 problems for a typical client. A response similarity index was calculated, with higher scores reflecting greater similarity between student and counselor mental health worldviews. Results suggest that higher acculturation was associated with greater level of match between the students' etiology beliefs and those of counselors. The greatest differences were observed for serious personal problems, whereas there was more belief convergence about causes of academic problems.