week 10 Cross-cultural psychology

Question 1

Discuss the relevance of the cultural perspective to assessment, diagnosis, and intervention in psychopathology;

Answer 1

Culture is an integral part of why a vulnerability may exist, why a mental illness has occurred/ is perpetuated, and how it may be helped or protected against. Thus is part of evaluating how to design therapy specifically for the patient. Culture is also the benchmark in determining level of dysfn ie to be able to dx is this normal or abnormal.

Question 2

Discuss why it is essential to assess psychopathology with a ‘cultural lens;

Answer 2

Culture is so much more than just an ethnicity label. It also encompasses the family-what were their traditions? what was the parenting style? Views on therapy? How to resolve problems?etc Thus when assessing via this cultural lens, info is being gathered which will be utilised in determining what skills need to be worked on and what approaches are likely to be most successful.

Question 3

Indicate when and how culture should influence assessment and diagnosis in psychology;

Answer 3

should be always part of an integrated approach

Question 4

Discuss differences in assessment and diagnosis based on cultural background;

Answer 4

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Question 5

Discuss the collection of culturally relevant data to guide diagnosis using the DSM-5;

Answer 5

DSM-5 does not go far enough. Suggested any assessment includes knowledge of culturl aspects including ethnicity, gender, sexual preference, language at home, if immigrant circumstances of this, employment status, visa status etc etc, home members.

Question 6

Discuss the influence of culture on psychotherapy;

Answer 6

Different cultures may have very different problem solving approaches. It is best if the therapy approaches problems in a way which is familiar to the patient. Making use of cultural fables or concepts (eg yin/yang = balance) makes the therapy more likely to be effective.

Question 7

Consider the potential need to deliver psychotherapy differently across cultures

Answer 7

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Question 8

Consider the potential to deliver psychotherapy differently for Indigenous Australians.

Answer 8

mental wellbeing in Indigenous Australians is considered to encompass wellbeing socioeconomically, spiritually, physical health, mental health, emotional health and healthy connections with community and country (can be loosely applied to non indigenous also, although country is usually of far less significance to non indigenous). Thus wellbeing is considered to have 7 facets:body, mind & emotions, family & kinship, community, culture, and country & spirituality. Strengethening ties with community and country are powerful ways of increasing individual wellbeing. It is also not sufficient to address community toes etc without also addressing inequalities of housing, employment and medical health.