As a specialty, Couple and Family Psychology (CFP) is founded on the principles of systems theory and is committed to embedding diversity in all areas of research, practice, and training. CFP implements the revised American Psychological Association multicultural guidelines, which emphasize the integration of an ecological approach to diversity (American Psychological Association, 2017). CFP also includes a deep understanding that diversity extends well beyond race and ethnicity, including but not limited to variables such as gender, ability status, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, language, and acculturation levels, and acknowledging the impact that the intersectionality of each of these aspects has on couples and families.
Now more than ever, it is vital for couple and family psychologists to not only inform themselves but to also inform others about ethnic and cultural differences and similarities between and within individuals of all backgrounds. Given the growing diversity among couples and families and the quickly changing environmental systems impacting individuals, it is imperative that couple and family psychologists be committed to cultural sensitivity and cultural humility. As systemically-focused professional psychologists, we are committed to continually aspiring to cultural competence. This includes advancing our clinical and empirical knowledge about diverse couples and families and their important contexts, increasing our awareness and confronting structural oppression and the biases within our profession and ourselves, and developing the skills necessary to work with couples and families of all backgrounds and identities.
The American Psychological Association regularly publishes task force reports and guidelines regarding many areas of diversity. It is expected that Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice authors, reviewers, and editors stay abreast of and adhere to the current guidelines and methods of demonstrating cultural competence and humility.