RATINGS OF HELPER ROLES BY MULTICULTURAL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND ASIAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS - INITIAL SUPPORT FOR THE 3-DIMENSIONAL MODEL OF MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING

The results of 2 surveys investigating support for psychologists' role s advocated by the three-dimensional (3-D) model of multicultural coun seling are reported. Eight vignettes were developed depicting an ethni c minority person with high or low acculturation experiencing or about to experience a problem with an internal or external etiology. Psycho logists interested and experienced in multicultural issues (Study 1) r ated 6 of the 8 helper roles recommended by the 3-D model for conditio ns depicted in the 8 vignettes higher on average than they did nonreco mmended helper roles. Asian American university students (Study 2) als o gave higher mean ratings to 3 of the recommended roles than they did the nonrecommended roles. Examination of the Asian American students' helpfulness ratings revealed a consistent preference for 2 roles: fac ilitator of indigenous support systems and consultation. Implications for the 3-D model, direct service, future research, and training of co unseling psychologists are discussed.