Pope Ch. 7

Question 1

Culture

Answer 1

The complex constellation of [learned] mores, values, customs, traditions, and practices that guide and influence people’s cognitive, affective, and behavioral response to life circumstances.

Question 2

Culture vs. Race

Answer 2

Culture and race are related, but distinct.

Question 3

Deep vs. Surface Levels of Culture

Answer 3

Five domains of culture at the deep structural level introduced and described by Ani (1994) include:
1. Ontology (nature of reality)
2. Axiology (value system)
3. Cosmology (relationship to the divine)
4. Epistemology (system of knowing and believing what is the truth)
5. Praxis (systems of interaction)

Conversely, examples of surface level culture include food, holidays, celebrations, clothing, visual and performing arts, sports, dancing, language, etc.

Question 4

The 3 aspects of cultural competence

Answer 4

a) Developing awareness of one’s own cultural values, traditions, and biases
b) Learning about the cultural values, traditions, and worldviews of others
c) Developing a set of culturally informed interpersonal skills

Note: Cultural competence is a continuing, lifelong process of learning and relearning about ourselves and others as complex and layered cultural beings.

Question 5

Why cultural competence matters as a therapist

Answer 5

Developing cultural competence deepens our ethical awareness, strengthens our therapeutic alliance, increases the effectiveness of treatment.

Question 6

White and Henderson’s (2008) Multicultural Competency Building Model

Answer 6

Includes an actionable plan to develop and maintain cultural competency. This model is divided into four levels including:
1. Conceptual/Theoretical/Intellectual: Underscores the importance of learning about our client’s culture at the deep structural level by (for example) reading textbooks and journals, attending lectures and courses, and watching movies/documentaries
2. Engaging in challenging cross-cultural dialogues that provide the opportunity for emotional growth through active participation in conversations about individual differences
3. Behavioral Engagement: Immersing ourselves in the context/community of the people we serve
4. Building practical skills that enhance the therapeutic relationship: Develop healing approaches that are tailored to the unique and complex needs of our clients