Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity
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  • What is DMIS?
  • Stage 1: Denial
  • Stage 2: Defense
  • Stage 3: Minimization
  • Stage 4: Acceptance
  • Stage 5: Adaptation
  • Stage 6: Integration
  • References

What is DMIS?

The developmental model of intercultural sensitivity (DMIS) was created by Dr. Milton Bennett. This model was created as a basic outline to explain the reactions that people have to cultural differences. The stages of DMIS is a continuum that ranges from ethnocentric to highly ethnorelative (Cushner, McClelland, & Safford, 2012, p. 155). The DMIS was designed by the theory that cultural awareness is accompanied by improved cognitive sophistication (Cushner, McClelland, & Safford, 2012, p.155). This model is acceptable for both children and adults as they progress through cross-cultural sensitivity. 


The DMIS consists of 6 different stages. These stages include denial, defense, minimization, acceptance, adaptation, and integration (Cushner, McClelland, & Safford, 2012). Each stage describes a cognitive structure that is communicated through attitudes and behaviors (Bennett, 2011).  Teachers can use the DMIS to facilitate learning by recognizing the cognitive stage a student is at and helping the student progress into the next stage. 
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(Bennett, 2011)
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