Psychological barriers to white counselors\u27 racial identity development

White racial identity development includes abandoning racism and considering racial information more objectively. Racial identity is a key aspect of multicultural competency, which is a high priority within the counseling profession. Psychological barriers to White counselors\u27 racial identity development include personal characteristics, cognitive strategies, and beliefs. Personal traits related to racism include poorer overall mental health, more anxiety, more neurotic tendencies, and less open, extroverted, agreeable, flexible, responsible, and tolerant personalities. Cognitive processes to avoid confronting the reality of racial issues include self distortion, defense mechanisms, dysconsciousness, stereotyping, and stigmatization. Racist attitudes are maintained by specific beliefs including the myths of meritocracy and reverse racism; lack of awareness of White privilege; and color-blind racial attitudes