Psychology of Ethnic Groups in the United States

"I am most enthusiastic about this book. I designed the course and was thrilled to see that I finally found a good PSYCHOLOGY book with these incredible authors who are so well-respected in their field."
—Alyson L. Burns-Glover, Pacific University of Oregon

"Well-organized and comprehensive coverage of ethnic psychology."
—Judith Chapman, Saint Joseph′s University

This comprehensive, research-based text allows undergraduate psychology students to explore fundamental issues and methods that distinguish the field of ethnic psychology within mainstream psychology. Combining theory with practical examples, it examines ethnic identities, acculturation, and biculturalism, while aiming to increase readers′ sensitivity, awareness, and knowledge regarding the role of ethnicity and culture in human behavior.

Key Features

• Diverse authorship that includes respected African American, Latino, and Asian American researchers
• Significant theoretical formulations (on ethnic identity, acculturation, biculturalism, etc.) are covered, offering students a foundation for examining the relationship between ethnicity and human behavior, adjustment, and social conditions
• Vignettes at the beginning of each chapter provide practical applications of key topics, while boxes and side bars give examples of relevant research, data, and commentary
• Chapter-ending key terms, Learn by Doing exercises, and suggested readings reinforce comprehension and retention

Intended audience

Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Multicultural Psychology, Psychology of Ethnic Groups, Minority Psychology, Cross Cultural Psychology and similar classes.

Pamela Balls Organista, Ph.D., an African American psychologist, is Professor of Psychology at the University of San Francisco.  Her research interests are in the areas of prevention interventions and ethnic minority health issues.  Publications include the books, "Readings in Ethnic Psychology" (Routledge 1998) and "Acculturation" (APA 2003), which she co-edited with Kevin M. Chun and Gerardo Marin, and several articles on migrant laborers and AIDS and stress and coping in primary care patients.  She is the founding faculty coordinator of the Ethnic Studies Program at the University of San Francisco. Gerardo Marin, PhD, is a Professor of Latin American Studies and Psychology, is Associate Provost at the University of San Francisco, and is an APA Fellow. He received his Ph.D. in social psychology from De Paul University. He has written more than 135 publications on topics that are relevant to Hispanics, including cultural norms and attitudes, risk behaviors, culturally appropriate methodology, and acculturation. He is the author of two widely used acculturation scales for Hispanics and was the editor of the recent Surgeon General′s Report on Smoking regarding the four ethnic minority groups. In 1991, he coauthored the book Research With Hispanic Populations with Barbara VanOss Marin and is also the co-editor of Acculturation: Advances in Theory, Measurement, and Applied Research (2003) and Readings in Ethnic Psychology (1998). Kevin M. Chun, Ph.D., a Chinese American psychologist, is Associate Professor of Psychology and Asian American Studies at the University of San Francisco, Senior Investigator at the University of California at San Francisco, and Alumni Scholar at the National Research Center on Asian American Mental Health, University of California at Davis.  His research focuses on processes of adaptation and their relation to health and psychosocial adjustment for Asian American immigrants and refugees.  Publications include "Readings in Ethnic Psychology" (Routledge 1998) and "Acculturation" (APA 2003), which he co-edited with professors Pamela Balls Organista and Gerardo Marin.  He is also a contributing author to several scholarly compendiums, including "Handbook of Asian American Psychology" and "Ethnocultural Approaches to Understanding Posttraumatic Stress Disorder."