Black, White, and Minority Identity Development Models: Key Stages and Concepts

Cross Black Identity Development Model

1. Pre-encounter

2. encounter

3. immersion-emersion

4. internalization

5. internalization-commitment

Pre-Encounter

De-emphasis of Black identity; possible assimilation to dominant (white) culture; may internalize anti-Black attitudes.

Encounter

Personal experience(s) with racism cause dissonance and challenge previous beliefs.

Immersion-Emersion

Strong immersion in Black culture and rejection of white culture; often characterized by idealization of Black identity.

Internalization

Secure, positive Black identity; openness to relationships with other racial groups without compromising cultural pride.

Internalization-Commitment

Commitment to social justice and Black community uplift through sustained action.

Helms White Racial Identity Development Model

1. Contact

2. Disintegration

3. Reintegration

4. Pseudoindependence

5. Immersion-emersion

6. Autonomy

Contact

Obliviousness or denial of racism; color-blind ideology common.

Disintegration

Awareness of racism and White privilege creates discomfort and moral conflict.

Reintegration

Retreat into beliefs of White superiority as a way to reduce dissonance.

Pseudo-Independence

Intellectualized understanding of racism; seeks to 'help' minorities without deep self-reflection.

Immersion-Emersion (White Model)

Honest self-examination of whiteness, privilege, and racism.

Autonomy

Internalized anti-racist identity; commitment to social justice and equity.

Minority Identity Development Model

1. conformity

2. dissonance

3. resistance

4. introspection

5. integrative awareness

Conformity

Preference for dominant culture values; negative views of one's own group.

Dissonance

Conflict between positive and negative attitudes toward one's group and dominant culture.

Resistance & Immersion

Embracing one's minority culture; rejecting dominant culture values.

Introspection

Reevaluating rigid 'us vs. them' stance; recognizing complexity in identity.

Integrative Awareness

Positive self-concept rooted in one's own culture and appreciation for other cultures; commitment to social justice.