Interrogating Whiteness: An In-depth Study of Race and Psychoanalysis in Cross-Racial Dyads

This qualitative research study examines ways of addressing race and racism in cross- racial therapy dyads between White identified psychoanalysts and Black or POC patients. The influence of the legacy of chattel slavery on subject formation and cross-racial interpersonal dynamics in the consulting room is a particular focus. Study participants were selected purposefully from a pool of experienced White identified psychoanalysts who had demonstrated a commitment to clinical practice and scholarship in the area of race, racism and psychoanalysis. The purpose of the study was to interrogate Whiteness by exploring the perceptions and internal experience of research participants in their cross-racial encounters. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the eight (8) participants for a total of 24 hours of recorded interview data. Participants were given the opportunity to read vignettes of the researcher's clinical engagement in cross-racial psychoanalysis in advance, as well as the interview guide to serve as catalysts for interview dialogue. This study is based on a phenomenological methodology, with the use of thematic analysis as a method of data analysis. This methodological approach facilitated the identification of underlying attitudes, emotions and ideological perspectives that emerged during the interview process. As part of the project of decentering Whiteness the literature reviewed in support of this research was based predominantly on Black scholarship.