Implicit Bias

    A bias is defined by dictionary.com as a tendency, inclination or opinion especially one that is preconceived or unreasoned. When our brain does this automatically and unconsciously it is then considered an implicit bias. Implicit bias is your brain's automatic processing and grouping of stereotypes, attitudes and beliefs unconsciously. As humans, we all would describe ourselves as being fair, or at least believing in things that promote fairness. Every person should have an equal and fair shot to get a certain job, to buy a car and to really do anything! With fairness being a characteristic that we as humans strive for, how do we know if we actually are fair? Or if we are letting implicit biases shape our actions and ways of thinking? In order to get answers there are multiple resources and techniques to put implicit bias to the test. This includes things like a self-analysis survey, implicate associations test and understanding when implicit biases are more likely to come through. With self-analysis surveys and association tests, an online test will see how you naturally group things or how you associate certain words and generate specific results. This will help you identify your specific beliefs and feelings and hopefully encourage you to open up and try to break these stereotypes apart. It is also an important tool to realize that implicit biases are more likely to arise in situations when you are stressed and under pressure. It is important to focus on identifying these times and focusing on slowing down and breathing to make the most fair and open-minded decision.

     As OT practitioners and students, it is a very useful and important to learn about implicit bias. We are taught through our education and career that we need to be life-long learners about the field of OT, but it is no different with implicit bias. Teaching yourself to not have these automatic groupings and thoughts is not something that can be learned in an afternoon, it is a life-long process. It is especially important for us as OT's to act in this way because of our strong belief in occupational justice and that every single person has the right to therapy! If we are having implicit bias, we would not be providing the most fair and just services to our clients. The biggest take away I had from learning about this topic is that implicit bias is not something to be ashamed of. It is an automatic unconscious thought of your brain that you need to be aware of and not hide. However, once you are aware of this, it is imperative that you are striving to break the bias and train your brain to not automatically group these beliefs together.