AFRICAN AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN GRADUATE-STUDENTS RACIAL IDENTITY AND PERSONAL PROBLEM-SOLVING STRATEGIES

This study examined differences on the Racial Identity Attitude Scale (RIAS; Helms & Parham, 1985) and the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI; Heppner, 1981, 1988) among 34 African and 48 African American graduate students. Significant differences were found on the preen counter and internalization scales of the RIAS. There were no group differences in coping ability as measured by the PSI. In addition the African group experienced an acculturation effect as time in the United States was extended beyond 3 years. These differences in racial identity states have implications for cross-cultural counseling.