Melba Vasquez - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Melba Vasquez
American Psychologist, 2006
This article identifies the key issues involved in the debate about affirmative action. The June ... more This article identifies the key issues involved in the debate about affirmative action. The June 2003 Supreme Court decisions allowing consideration of race to ensure that there is a "critical mass" of African American, Latino/ Latina, and Native American applicants to higher education are addressed. Social psychologists have identified key myths and provided clarifications about the need for and consequences of strategies used to promote equal opportunity for persons of color and women. A brief history of affirmative action and of the problems it was designed to solve is provided. The accomplishments, benefits, and compelling interest of diversity and affirmative action are described, as well as the concerns and counterpoints. The lack of a substantial applicant pool in psychology hinders progress toward diversity. Alternative strategies for remedying this lack beyond affirmative admissions policies in psychology are briefly discussed.
American Psychological Association eBooks, 1999
ABSTRACT
Clinical Psychology Review, 1992
Teaching gender and multicultural awareness: Resources for the psychology classroom., 2003
How to survive and thrive as a therapist: Information, ideas, and resources for psychologists in practice., 2005
ABSTRACT
Cultural Diversity & Mental Health, 1998
This article seeks to identify mental health issues in regard to violence among Hispanics and Lat... more This article seeks to identify mental health issues in regard to violence among Hispanics and Latinos relative to other groups in the United States. A review of the literature provides prevalence and incidence rates, population and demographic information, and unique issues in regard to violence for Latinos and Latinas, including in the areas of battering and wife abuse, child and sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and the complicating effects of racial-ethnic discrimination. Aspects of cultural ideology, including the social construction of gender and its relevance to violence, are discussed, as are theoretical explorations of the impact of violence on familism, a major Hispanic cultural value. Finally, therapeutic implications for clinicians are explored, structured by the American Psychological Association (1993) Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services to Ethnic, Linguistic, and Culturally Diverse Populations. • Latinos and violence • gender • battering • child abuse Violence toward women is a pervasive social problem. It includes spousal abuse, rape, and child sexual and physical abuse. Most women also experience insidious and pervasive subtle violence to some degree, and women of color experience that kind of violence to higher degrees (Root, 1992; Rosewater, 1990; Walker, 1989). This kind of abuse may not be overtly violent or threatening to bodily well-being at the given moment, but it harms the person's sense of worth, value, and well-being. Violence can be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, or spiritual. In many ways, attention to the vast problem of violence against women is still in the infancy stage. We do know that battery, often accompanied by sexual assault, is the This article is based in part on a presentation at a workshop titled "Many Voices, One Cry: Listening to Our Differences," sponsored by the
Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 2011
A national, web-based survey of 1,222 African-American, Latina/o, Asian-American and European-Ame... more A national, web-based survey of 1,222 African-American, Latina/o, Asian-American and European-American psychology graduate students revealed both similarities and differences in experiences and perspectives. Mentoring was found to be the strongest predictor of satisfaction across groups. Academic supports and barriers, along with perceptions of diversity were also important predictors of satisfaction. Students of color differed from European-American students in perceptions of fairness of representation of their ethnic group within psychology, and in aspects of the graduate school experience perceived as linked to ethnicity. Limitations of the study and implications for future research and action are discussed. In 1997, the American Psychological Association's Commission on Ethnic Minority Recruitment, Retention, and Training issued a call for psychology to increase the representation and numbers of ethnic minority students at every level of psychology's educational pipeline (CEMRATT, 1997). Since that time, grave concerns remain in terms of ethnic minority student representation, particularly at the higher levels of the educational pipeline (e.g., Maton, Kohout, Wicherski, Leary, & Vinokurov, 2006). Of note, as ethnic minorities and multiracial persons continue to constitute an ever-increasing percentage of our citizenry, all sectors of our society will increasingly be affected. Many professionals, including psychologists (involved in practice or research), will be called to address the changing needs of our increasingly diverse population (American Psychological Association, 2003). To better understand the paucity of growth in psychology doctoral training among students of color in recent years (Maton et al., 2006), the current study focused on African-American, Latina/o and Asian-American students of color, and the
Oxford Handbooks Online, 2011
Practicing feminist ethics in psychology.
ABSTRACT
Women & Therapy, 2013
ABSTRACT
PsycCRITIQUES, 1994
Well, someone can decide by themselves what they want to do and need to do but sometimes, that ki... more Well, someone can decide by themselves what they want to do and need to do but sometimes, that kind of person will need some women girls and psychotherapy references. People with open minded will always try to seek for the new things and information from many sources. On the contrary, people with closed mind will always think that they can do it by their principals. So, what kind of person are you? In wondering the things that you should do, reading can be a new choice of you in making new things. It's always said that reading will always help you to overcome something to better. Yeah, women girls and psychotherapy is one that we always offer. Even we share again and again about the books, what's your conception? If you are one of the people love reading as a manner, you can find women girls and psychotherapy as your reading material. Now, when you start to read this women girls and psychotherapy, maybe you will think about what you can get? Many things! In brief we will answer it, but, to know what they are, you need to read this book by yourself. You know, by reading continuously, you can feel not only better but also brighter in the life. Reading should be acted as the habit, as hobby. So when you are supposed to read, you can easily do it. Besides, by reading this book, you can also easily make ea new way to think and feel well and wisely. Yeah, life wisely and smartly is much needed. Once more, what kind of person are you? If you are really one of the people with open minded, you will have this book as your reference. Not only owning this soft file of women girls and psychotherapy, but of course, read and understands it becomes the must. It is what makes you go forward better. Yeah, go forward is needed in this case, if you want really a better life, you can So, if you really want to be better person, read this women girls and psychotherapy and be open minded.
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 1994
The current ethics code (American Psychological Association [APA], 1992) provides improved standa... more The current ethics code (American Psychological Association [APA], 1992) provides improved standards through increased specificity and proscriptive guidance than did the previous code (APA, 1990). Standards 4 and 5 are the focus for review in this article. Standard 4, Therapy, with additions such as structuring the relationship, obtaining informed consent, providing mental health services to those served by others, and interrupting and terminating services, are addressed and critiqued. Standard 5, Privacy and Confidentiality, is expanded in the current code. Some principles are critiqued with regard to their vagueness, their tendency to be dilute in terms of power and enforceability, their failure to maintain the highest principles for the welfare of clients, and their possible advocacy of the welfare of psychologists above that of the clients. Structuring the Relationship Ethical Standard 4, Therapy, begins with new standards for "Structuring the Relationship." Standard 4.01 (a) states that "psychologists discuss with clients or patients as early as is fea-MELBA J. T. VASQUEZ, PhD, is currently in independent practice in Austin, Texas. She is a diplomate in counseling psychology (American Board of Professional Psychology), a Fellow in the American Psychological Association (APA), and has served on various boards and committees of the APA, including the Ethics Committee, Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest, and the Board of Professional Affairs. She has written and published in the areas of ethics, training and supervision, psychology of women, and ethnic minority psychology.
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 2007
... I see the issue of power on a continuum where, at one end, you have clients who tend to feel ... more ... I see the issue of power on a continuum where, at one end, you have clients who tend to feel dependent, gullible, suggestible, inconsequential, powerless, and feeble, and at the other end are clients who see themselves as more powerful than the psychotherapist, and indeed ...
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, 2009
This article provides descriptions of issues related to Latino/as, alcoholism, and substance abus... more This article provides descriptions of issues related to Latino/as, alcoholism, and substance abuse. A review of the available literature is provided, including preliminary data analyses by the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcoholism and Related Conditions conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and from the National Hispanic Science Network on Drug Abuse. There is some evidence that substance abuse among Hispanics may be increasing, especially among adolescents. Despite the dearth of knowledge regarding prevention and treatment interventions for Latino/a populations, the evolving evidence-based research provides additional information. Some clinical implications are provided and directions for research are suggested.
Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2004
This article summarizes the results from the Intervention Work Group of the Competencies Conferen... more This article summarizes the results from the Intervention Work Group of the Competencies Conference: Future Directions in Education and Credentialing in Professional Psychology. The generic charge presented to the Intervention Work Group was "to address issues related to interventions." The Intervention Work Group identified four competency components of knowledge, skills, and abilities: (a) foundational competencies; (b) intervention planning; (c) intervention implementation; and (d) intervention evaluation competencies. A fifth component that included "practice
American Psychologist, 2012
Much of psychological science and knowledge is significantly relevant to social justice, defined ... more Much of psychological science and knowledge is significantly relevant to social justice, defined here as the goal to decrease human suffering and to promote human values of equality and justice. A commitment to social justice has evolved as a more important value in the last few decades for psychology, including for the American Psychological Association (APA). The mission, vision, goals, Ethics Code, and strategic plan of APA all provide a rationale for psychologists' involvement in systematic and visible ways of applying our knowledge to social issues. Although psychology has not been immune to the application of psychological knowledge in destructive ways, overall, psychology, many psychologists, and APA have demonstrated a commitment to social justice. This article provides a brief review of the key proponents, debates, and controversies involved in applying psychological science and knowledge to complex societal problems. Psychologists often find themselves in conflict and honest disagreement when the association addresses complex and controversial issues. An important goal is that we continue to find ways to agree or disagree in a respectful manner regardless of where each of us stands on the various positions that APA takes.
American Psychologist, 2002
Abstract 1. Reports the death of Martha E. Bernal (1931-2001). The author gives a description of ... more Abstract 1. Reports the death of Martha E. Bernal (1931-2001). The author gives a description of her life accomplishments as well as insight into her personality. Her contributions to psychology is also included.(PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, ...
American Psychologist, 2006
In this article, six faculty and students of color who participated in a panel discussion at a sy... more In this article, six faculty and students of color who participated in a panel discussion at a symposium during the National Multicultural Conference and Summit of 2003 talk about the barriers they encountered and continue to encounter in their graduate training and places of employment. They also discuss strategies they found to be effective, enhancing, and positive and suggest other possibilities. The contributors describe their relationships with dominant-group and minority peers and talk about how issues of social class, disability, and sexual orientation as well as color have been part of their experience.
American Psychologist, 2006
This article identifies the key issues involved in the debate about affirmative action. The June ... more This article identifies the key issues involved in the debate about affirmative action. The June 2003 Supreme Court decisions allowing consideration of race to ensure that there is a "critical mass" of African American, Latino/ Latina, and Native American applicants to higher education are addressed. Social psychologists have identified key myths and provided clarifications about the need for and consequences of strategies used to promote equal opportunity for persons of color and women. A brief history of affirmative action and of the problems it was designed to solve is provided. The accomplishments, benefits, and compelling interest of diversity and affirmative action are described, as well as the concerns and counterpoints. The lack of a substantial applicant pool in psychology hinders progress toward diversity. Alternative strategies for remedying this lack beyond affirmative admissions policies in psychology are briefly discussed.
American Psychological Association eBooks, 1999
ABSTRACT
Clinical Psychology Review, 1992
Teaching gender and multicultural awareness: Resources for the psychology classroom., 2003
How to survive and thrive as a therapist: Information, ideas, and resources for psychologists in practice., 2005
ABSTRACT
Cultural Diversity & Mental Health, 1998
This article seeks to identify mental health issues in regard to violence among Hispanics and Lat... more This article seeks to identify mental health issues in regard to violence among Hispanics and Latinos relative to other groups in the United States. A review of the literature provides prevalence and incidence rates, population and demographic information, and unique issues in regard to violence for Latinos and Latinas, including in the areas of battering and wife abuse, child and sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and the complicating effects of racial-ethnic discrimination. Aspects of cultural ideology, including the social construction of gender and its relevance to violence, are discussed, as are theoretical explorations of the impact of violence on familism, a major Hispanic cultural value. Finally, therapeutic implications for clinicians are explored, structured by the American Psychological Association (1993) Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services to Ethnic, Linguistic, and Culturally Diverse Populations. • Latinos and violence • gender • battering • child abuse Violence toward women is a pervasive social problem. It includes spousal abuse, rape, and child sexual and physical abuse. Most women also experience insidious and pervasive subtle violence to some degree, and women of color experience that kind of violence to higher degrees (Root, 1992; Rosewater, 1990; Walker, 1989). This kind of abuse may not be overtly violent or threatening to bodily well-being at the given moment, but it harms the person's sense of worth, value, and well-being. Violence can be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, or spiritual. In many ways, attention to the vast problem of violence against women is still in the infancy stage. We do know that battery, often accompanied by sexual assault, is the This article is based in part on a presentation at a workshop titled "Many Voices, One Cry: Listening to Our Differences," sponsored by the
Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 2011
A national, web-based survey of 1,222 African-American, Latina/o, Asian-American and European-Ame... more A national, web-based survey of 1,222 African-American, Latina/o, Asian-American and European-American psychology graduate students revealed both similarities and differences in experiences and perspectives. Mentoring was found to be the strongest predictor of satisfaction across groups. Academic supports and barriers, along with perceptions of diversity were also important predictors of satisfaction. Students of color differed from European-American students in perceptions of fairness of representation of their ethnic group within psychology, and in aspects of the graduate school experience perceived as linked to ethnicity. Limitations of the study and implications for future research and action are discussed. In 1997, the American Psychological Association's Commission on Ethnic Minority Recruitment, Retention, and Training issued a call for psychology to increase the representation and numbers of ethnic minority students at every level of psychology's educational pipeline (CEMRATT, 1997). Since that time, grave concerns remain in terms of ethnic minority student representation, particularly at the higher levels of the educational pipeline (e.g., Maton, Kohout, Wicherski, Leary, & Vinokurov, 2006). Of note, as ethnic minorities and multiracial persons continue to constitute an ever-increasing percentage of our citizenry, all sectors of our society will increasingly be affected. Many professionals, including psychologists (involved in practice or research), will be called to address the changing needs of our increasingly diverse population (American Psychological Association, 2003). To better understand the paucity of growth in psychology doctoral training among students of color in recent years (Maton et al., 2006), the current study focused on African-American, Latina/o and Asian-American students of color, and the
Oxford Handbooks Online, 2011
Practicing feminist ethics in psychology.
ABSTRACT
Women & Therapy, 2013
ABSTRACT
PsycCRITIQUES, 1994
Well, someone can decide by themselves what they want to do and need to do but sometimes, that ki... more Well, someone can decide by themselves what they want to do and need to do but sometimes, that kind of person will need some women girls and psychotherapy references. People with open minded will always try to seek for the new things and information from many sources. On the contrary, people with closed mind will always think that they can do it by their principals. So, what kind of person are you? In wondering the things that you should do, reading can be a new choice of you in making new things. It's always said that reading will always help you to overcome something to better. Yeah, women girls and psychotherapy is one that we always offer. Even we share again and again about the books, what's your conception? If you are one of the people love reading as a manner, you can find women girls and psychotherapy as your reading material. Now, when you start to read this women girls and psychotherapy, maybe you will think about what you can get? Many things! In brief we will answer it, but, to know what they are, you need to read this book by yourself. You know, by reading continuously, you can feel not only better but also brighter in the life. Reading should be acted as the habit, as hobby. So when you are supposed to read, you can easily do it. Besides, by reading this book, you can also easily make ea new way to think and feel well and wisely. Yeah, life wisely and smartly is much needed. Once more, what kind of person are you? If you are really one of the people with open minded, you will have this book as your reference. Not only owning this soft file of women girls and psychotherapy, but of course, read and understands it becomes the must. It is what makes you go forward better. Yeah, go forward is needed in this case, if you want really a better life, you can So, if you really want to be better person, read this women girls and psychotherapy and be open minded.
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 1994
The current ethics code (American Psychological Association [APA], 1992) provides improved standa... more The current ethics code (American Psychological Association [APA], 1992) provides improved standards through increased specificity and proscriptive guidance than did the previous code (APA, 1990). Standards 4 and 5 are the focus for review in this article. Standard 4, Therapy, with additions such as structuring the relationship, obtaining informed consent, providing mental health services to those served by others, and interrupting and terminating services, are addressed and critiqued. Standard 5, Privacy and Confidentiality, is expanded in the current code. Some principles are critiqued with regard to their vagueness, their tendency to be dilute in terms of power and enforceability, their failure to maintain the highest principles for the welfare of clients, and their possible advocacy of the welfare of psychologists above that of the clients. Structuring the Relationship Ethical Standard 4, Therapy, begins with new standards for "Structuring the Relationship." Standard 4.01 (a) states that "psychologists discuss with clients or patients as early as is fea-MELBA J. T. VASQUEZ, PhD, is currently in independent practice in Austin, Texas. She is a diplomate in counseling psychology (American Board of Professional Psychology), a Fellow in the American Psychological Association (APA), and has served on various boards and committees of the APA, including the Ethics Committee, Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest, and the Board of Professional Affairs. She has written and published in the areas of ethics, training and supervision, psychology of women, and ethnic minority psychology.
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 2007
... I see the issue of power on a continuum where, at one end, you have clients who tend to feel ... more ... I see the issue of power on a continuum where, at one end, you have clients who tend to feel dependent, gullible, suggestible, inconsequential, powerless, and feeble, and at the other end are clients who see themselves as more powerful than the psychotherapist, and indeed ...
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, 2009
This article provides descriptions of issues related to Latino/as, alcoholism, and substance abus... more This article provides descriptions of issues related to Latino/as, alcoholism, and substance abuse. A review of the available literature is provided, including preliminary data analyses by the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcoholism and Related Conditions conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and from the National Hispanic Science Network on Drug Abuse. There is some evidence that substance abuse among Hispanics may be increasing, especially among adolescents. Despite the dearth of knowledge regarding prevention and treatment interventions for Latino/a populations, the evolving evidence-based research provides additional information. Some clinical implications are provided and directions for research are suggested.
Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2004
This article summarizes the results from the Intervention Work Group of the Competencies Conferen... more This article summarizes the results from the Intervention Work Group of the Competencies Conference: Future Directions in Education and Credentialing in Professional Psychology. The generic charge presented to the Intervention Work Group was "to address issues related to interventions." The Intervention Work Group identified four competency components of knowledge, skills, and abilities: (a) foundational competencies; (b) intervention planning; (c) intervention implementation; and (d) intervention evaluation competencies. A fifth component that included "practice
American Psychologist, 2012
Much of psychological science and knowledge is significantly relevant to social justice, defined ... more Much of psychological science and knowledge is significantly relevant to social justice, defined here as the goal to decrease human suffering and to promote human values of equality and justice. A commitment to social justice has evolved as a more important value in the last few decades for psychology, including for the American Psychological Association (APA). The mission, vision, goals, Ethics Code, and strategic plan of APA all provide a rationale for psychologists' involvement in systematic and visible ways of applying our knowledge to social issues. Although psychology has not been immune to the application of psychological knowledge in destructive ways, overall, psychology, many psychologists, and APA have demonstrated a commitment to social justice. This article provides a brief review of the key proponents, debates, and controversies involved in applying psychological science and knowledge to complex societal problems. Psychologists often find themselves in conflict and honest disagreement when the association addresses complex and controversial issues. An important goal is that we continue to find ways to agree or disagree in a respectful manner regardless of where each of us stands on the various positions that APA takes.
American Psychologist, 2002
Abstract 1. Reports the death of Martha E. Bernal (1931-2001). The author gives a description of ... more Abstract 1. Reports the death of Martha E. Bernal (1931-2001). The author gives a description of her life accomplishments as well as insight into her personality. Her contributions to psychology is also included.(PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, ...
American Psychologist, 2006
In this article, six faculty and students of color who participated in a panel discussion at a sy... more In this article, six faculty and students of color who participated in a panel discussion at a symposium during the National Multicultural Conference and Summit of 2003 talk about the barriers they encountered and continue to encounter in their graduate training and places of employment. They also discuss strategies they found to be effective, enhancing, and positive and suggest other possibilities. The contributors describe their relationships with dominant-group and minority peers and talk about how issues of social class, disability, and sexual orientation as well as color have been part of their experience.