The Diversity Competency
Diversity
was adopted as a separate competency at the August, 2002 business
meeting. The NCSPP diversity committees proposed and the membership
agreed that
the state of our knowledge called for an expanded view of diversity
and for the consideration of differences integral to the other competencies
and as a focal competency itself. In response to this, they
developed the following description of the Diversity Competency:
Diversity
refers to an affirmation of the richness of human differences,
ideas, and beliefs. An inclusive definition of diversity
includes but is not limited to age, color, disability and health,
ethnicity,
gender, language, national origin, race, religion /
spirituality, sexual orientation, and social economic status, as
well as
the intersection of these multiple identities and multiple statuses.
Exploration of power differentials, power dynamics,
and privilege is at the core of understanding diversity issues and
their
impact on social structures and institutionalized forms of discrimination.
Training
of psychologists should include opportunities to develop
understanding, respect and value for cultural and individual differences.
A strong commitment to the development of knowledge, skills, and
attitudes that support high regard for human diversity
should
be integrated throughout the professional psychology
training program and its organizational culture.
Competence
in diversity issues may be best accomplished with a
multifaceted approach, including integration throughout the curriculum,
as well as through specific required coursework and experiences.
Students and faculty benefit from exposure to the knowledge
base, theories, and research findings that serve as a foundation
to
guide their understanding and skill development, utilizing
this knowledge to critically analyze all aspects of practice. Attention
to social and cultural values influencing the profession,
as well as development of awareness of individual differences
and values within the practitioner, are themes to be interwoven across
the training of professional psychologists. Students
benefit from the opportunity to explore integration and adaptation
of models necessary for work with diverse, marginalized or underserved
populations.
Students
should have varied opportunities for acquiring knowledge and
skills as well as understanding the professional values and attitudes
that reflect social responsibility, social justice, and respect
for human diversity. These experiences may include among others:
classroom learning, programmatic activities, practicum experiences,
supervision, and internship training. It is expected that this
competency is integrated across all aspects of education and
training and forms an integral part of each student’s
professional development and identity.
