OT 425: implicit bias

Implicit bias is unintentional or unconsciously placing certain attributes both good or bad on an individual because of cultural or physical characteristics. It is important for OT students and practitioners to self-evaluate for possible bias they may unknowingly have. Everyone has life experiences that shape their worldview in different ways rather that be the area of the world they grow up in, family they are born into, religious affiliations, or personal interactions. These factors affect the way we may see a race, religion, or social class. OT students and practitioners are supposed to be non partial and unbiased when evaluating and treating clients. OT students and practitioners should treat every client with the same dignity and respect in the hopes of providing the best possible care, not allowing for bias to alter their behavior. There are few things you could do in order to examine your own bias. One thing is taking a survey or test, like the Project Implicit, to see if there are any possible bias you may have. A second thing someone could do is ask others around them, who they trust to be honest with them, if they see them showing any signs of possible bias. Thirdly someone could have open conversations with people of other races, religions, and cultures to help inform them on ways they may feel others show bias. Finally, I would add just treat others the way God would want you to treat them. My biggest take away from this session on implicit bias was I do not think most people are intentionally behaving in biased ways, however they are just blinded or uninformed. I think most implicit bias could be eliminated if people would just take a step back and think before acting in certain situations and just remember the golden rule, treating others the way you would want to be treated.