Understanding Bias Among Future Speech-Language Pathologists and Patient-Centered Care for Black /African American Clients with Acquired Language Disorders

Date of Submission

Spring 2026

Document Type

Closed Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Department

Speech-Language Pathology

First Advisor

Malathy Venkatesh, PhD, CCC-SLP

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined perceptions of racially biased statements among future speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and explored how these perceptions may influence patient-centered care for Black/African American adults with acquired language disorders. Methods: A total of 26 SLP graduate students completed a survey consisting of demographic questions and an adapted version of the Acceptability of Racial Microaggressions Scale (ARMS), modified for an SLP context while maintaining its constructs of victim blaming, power evasion, and color evasion. Participants rated statements using a Likert scale and responded to three open-ended questions addressing the role of bias in clinical reasoning and care. Results: Participants most consistently rejected victim-blaming statements, with 56% rating them as totally unacceptable, demonstrating some awareness that poor client outcomes should not be attributed solely to individual effort or motivation. Power-evasion statements were moderately rejected (46% totally unacceptable), suggesting less consistent recognition of structural inequities affecting Black clients. Color-evasion statements were the least consistently rejected (28% totally unacceptable), indicating that subtler biases may be more difficult to identify. Participants additionally emphasized the importance of self-awareness, understanding of privilege, and cultural competence in supporting equitable care. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that while future SLPs recognize overt bias, additional training and systemic support are needed to address subtler forms of bias and improve patient-centered care

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