The main objective of this assignment is for students to demonstrate that they have been able to gain, through their readings and class discussions, knowledge of the various issues and concerns that are associated with cross-cultural counseling. In doing so, they are required to write an 8-12 page term paper on counseling a particular cultural or ethnic group, which may include but not restricted to, African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native-Americans, Anglo-Americans, Women, Gays and Lesbians, the handicapped or the elderly.
Begin the paper by describing the beliefs, values, worldviews and cultural practices that are associated with the group and discuss the social, historical and political forces that shaped its cultural orientation, particularly as this relates to the experience of social oppression. You may also want to address issues pertaining to both acculturation and racial identity development focusing on their relationship to mental health and counseling. Also, outline the various mental health concerns that are associated with this particular group.
In the second section of the paper, discuss how the cultural orientation of the group
previously described, may conflict with the culture and class bound values that characterizes traditional counseling approaches. You may also want to highlight the
various barriers to effective counseling that may pertain to the group in question. In
addition, describe the style of counseling that would be most appropriate, given the
unique value and world-view orientation of the group.
Suggested Outline for Paper
PART 1
1) Introduction
Describe the demographic characteristics of the population i.e. How many people
constitute the population, their various nationalities or subgroups, their primary
locations, the various waves of immigration they have experienced etc. The
historical and social experiences of the group.
Cultural characteristics
2) Discuss the cultural characteristics of the group. In so doing provide a definition
of culture, describe the various dimensions and models of culture i.e. surface vs.
deep dimensions (ontology, axiology, epistemology), worldview, tight vs. loose,
male vs. female, collectivism vs. individualism, subculture vs. dominant culture,
Kluckholm’s model of culture etc./Formation of worldviews—locus of control
etc.
3) Acculturation
Describe the acculturation experiences of the group and in so doing, apply the model of acculturation presented in class. This includes talking about stages such as pre-contact, contact etc. Also describe the particular mode of acculturation such as assimilation, integration, marginalization etc. In addition, discuss the moderator variables that influence the acculturation process i.e. socio-economic status, cultural characteristics, experiences of discrimination etc. Finally describe some of the outcomes of acculturation. For instance, negative mental health outcomes, attitudes to mental health services etc.
4) The Influence of Minority/Majority Status
Define the term minority/Majority and describe the various characteristics. Say in what ways that the group represents a minority or majority and how this status shapes the group members experiences in the United States. Describe the group’s experiences of prejudice and discrimination and the traditional ways in which it responds. In addition describe the psychological effects that such discrimination may have on the wellbeing of its members. You may also want to explain the causes of prejudice by incorporating the various theories that were presented in class. Unintentional racism and micro-aggressions. Finally, say how the group relates to members of the dominant culture vs. other minorities.
5) Racial/Ethnic Identity/ gender identity/sexual identity etc
Describe the models of racial identity presented in class and in the readings. In doing so, describe how these models may be applied in describing how group members perceive themselves as racial beings. Also discuss the various ways in which racial identity influences mental health outcomes as well as attitudes towards therapy and the therapist.
PART 2
1) Describe the mental health issues experienced by the group
2) The sociopolitical aspects of counseling
3) Barriers to counseling–culture bound values, etc.
4) Non-verbal behavior—proxemics etc./Counseling and therapy as communication styles
5) Indigenous mental health practices and culture bound disorders
6) Help-seeking attitudes and practices of the group
7) Therapist’s multicultural competencies
The following are suggested topics that you may wish to incorporate into your analysis:
Demographic characteristics of the group
Historical and social experiences
Cultural characteristics including values and belief systems, family and education
Dimension of worldviews and within group differences
Social oppression
Special problems and concerns
Acculturation and Stages of Racial Identity
Politics of counseling and Sociopolitical considerations of trust and mistrust
Mental health issues
Culturally appropriate intervention strategies
Assessment and Counseling issues
Barriers to effective counseling and biases in service delivery
Counselor attitudes
Treatment strategies and critical issues involved in working with the culturally different
Cultural competence
Grading Considerations: The paper is expected to be 8-12 pages in length with at least seven references. Students are expected to cite their sources throughout the paper. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade. APA format is required.
Answers will be graded based on the following criteria:
a)Clarity, organization and style of presentation
b)Knowledge of the theoretical and empirical basis of the issue and the
demonstration of this knowledge by using the texts and articles
presented in class, making appropriate references where necessary
c)Analytical and critical dimensions of one’s ideas
d)Elaborateness and degree of sophistication of one’s arguments
e)The use of concrete, reality based examples to support one’s conclusions
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