Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination 2025 - Free Practice Questions for Aspiring Counselors.

In the Cross Nigrescence Model, the Encounter stage is critical for individuals as they begin to recognize and confront their racial identity. This stage often involves a pivotal moment or experience that forces individuals to acknowledge their racial identity and the implications it holds in society.

During this phase, individuals may have experiences that awaken them to the realities of racism, discrimination, or cultural heritage, leading to greater self-awareness and reflection on their racial identity. This realization can significantly influence their beliefs, values, and interactions with others, prompting a deeper understanding of their place within a racialized society. The Encounter stage does not merely involve a recognition of race but also encompasses a newfound emotional response and a desire to explore this aspect of their identity further.

The other stages—Pre-encounter, Internalization, and Internalization-Commitment—represent different aspects of the racial identity development process. The Pre-encounter stage typically involves an individual's lack of awareness of their racial identity or the impact of racism, while Internalization focuses on the acceptance and integration of that identity. Internalization-Commitment takes this a step further, emphasizing activism and commitment towards promoting racial understanding and justice.