Running head: EXPLORATION OF COLOR CONSCIOUSNESS

This study surveys African Americans to assess perceptions of and life experiences with the issue of skin tone. Thirty-seven African American adults agreed to complete a survey packet and participate in a semi-structured focus group discussion. Participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, the Skin Color Assessment Procedure and Skin Color Questionnaire,and a demographic sheet. The findings appear to indicate that African Americans are indeed aware of and can articulate the ways in which skin tone affects their lives. Results indicate significant relationships between idealized skin tones and self-perceptions of and satisfaction with skin tone. Other significant relationships include global ethnic identity, education levels, parental education levels, and personal income. Focus group analysis indicates the ascription of traits based on skin tone and the significance of skin tone in familial, professional, and social experiences. The study recommends that mental health professionals be aware of the issue of color consciousness so that it may be addressed in counseling. Counselors and counseling psychologists can assist in efforts to educate African Americans to recognize, acknowledge, and directly address issues of skin tone both within and across racial groups. (Contains 19 references.) (GCP) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Color Consciousness 1 M Running head: EXPLORATION OF COLOR CONSCIOUSNESS 7t. An Exploration of the Effects of Skin Tone on African American Life Experiences Alfiee M. Breland Michigan State University Wanda Collins and Karen Lowenstein Damico Michigan State University Robbie Steward and Jennifer King Michigan State University Poster presented at the 2000 Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference at Ball State University Muncie, Indiana. This research is part of a study completed through a grant from Michigan State University. Alfiee M. Breland is an assistant professor in the department of Counseling, Education and Educational Psychology at Michigan State University. Wanda Collins, Karen Lowenstein Damico and Jennifer King are graduate students at Michigan State University. Robbie Steward is an associate professor in the department of Counseling, Education and Educational Psychology at Michigan State University. The authors would like to thank Chris Schram and De lila Owens for their assistance in preparing this manuscript. Correspondence concerning this manuscript should be addressed to Alfiee M. Breland, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education, Michigan State University, 444 Erickson Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1034. Electronic mail may be sent via Internet to N breland@msu.edu. NCO CI BEST COPY AVAILABLE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL, RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. 2 "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC). " Color Consciousness 2 Abstract African Americans were surveyed to assess perceptions of and life experiences with the issue of skin tone. 37 African American adults agreed to complete a survey packet and participate in a semi-structured focus group discussion. Participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, the Skin Color Assessment Procedure and Skin Color Questionnaire and a demographic sheet. Results indicate significant relationships between idealized and preferred skin tones; self-perceptions of and idealized skin tones; and self-perceptions of and satisfaction with skin tone. Other significant relationships include global ethnic identity and education levels and parental education levels and personal income. Focus group analysis indicates the ascription of traits based on skin tone and the significance of skin tone in familial, professional and social experiences. Implications forAfrican Americans were surveyed to assess perceptions of and life experiences with the issue of skin tone. 37 African American adults agreed to complete a survey packet and participate in a semi-structured focus group discussion. Participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, the Skin Color Assessment Procedure and Skin Color Questionnaire and a demographic sheet. Results indicate significant relationships between idealized and preferred skin tones; self-perceptions of and idealized skin tones; and self-perceptions of and satisfaction with skin tone. Other significant relationships include global ethnic identity and education levels and parental education levels and personal income. Focus group analysis indicates the ascription of traits based on skin tone and the significance of skin tone in familial, professional and social experiences. Implications for counseling and education are discussed.