Cultural Competence Flashcards

Cultural Competence in Client-Therapist Interactions

• Three cultures present in every client-therapist interaction: therapist's culture, client's culture, and healthcare culture.

Levels of Cultural Competence

• Level 1: Cultural awareness involves acquiring basic information about different cultures.
• Level 2: Cultural sensitivity focuses on developing a deeper understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Level 3: Cultural responsiveness means utilizing cultural knowledge to respond appropriately in interactions.
• Level 4: Cultural competence encompasses using knowledge and skills to provide effective services tailored to cultural needs.

Understanding Culture

• Culture is defined as a collective set of values, beliefs, norms, and customs that influence the behavior and traditions of a group over generations.

Diversity

• Diversity reflects appreciation, sensitivity, and integration of differences within an organization and society.

Ethnicity

• Ethnicity emphasizes both cultural and physical differences among groups of people.

Characteristics of Ethnicity

• Key aspects include kinship, family rituals, food preferences, specific clothing, unique celebrations, and identification with cultural origins.

Aspects of Culture

• Important cultural components to consider include gender roles, family structure, and societal influences.

Collectivism

• Collectivism prioritizes group needs, promoting harmony and cooperation, with the family as the fundamental unit.
• Key characteristics include interdependence, family decision-making for children, and valuing relationships over time constraints.
• Predominantly practiced in regions such as Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and the Pacific Islands.

Individualism

• Individualism emphasizes personal needs, self-realization, and competition, with independence as a key aspect.
• Children are encouraged to make their own decisions, and time constraints are strictly observed.
• Common in North America, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Core Values of AOTA

• Seven core values include altruism, equality, freedom, justice, dignity, truth, and prudence.

Definitions of Core Values

• Altruism: Unselfish concern for others' welfare.
• Equality: Fair and respectful treatment of all individuals.
• Freedom: The right to choose and exercise independence.
• Justice: Adherence to laws and respect for clients' rights.
• Dignity: Demonstrating empathy and respect towards others.
• Truth: Committing to accountability, honesty, and accuracy.
• Prudence: Exercising sound judgment and discretion.

Challenges in Occupational Therapy

• Occupational therapists must recognize their values, make informed choices, and commit to values shared within the profession.

Barriers to Intercultural Communication

• Common barriers include cultural differences in communication styles, stereotypes, prejudices, difficulty discussing differences, and emotionally charged topics (“hot buttons”).

Strategies for Effective Intercultural Communication

• Listening actively, communicating clearly, seeking understanding, inviting participation, adapting communication styles, avoiding hot buttons, fostering trust, and not misjudging individuals based on language skills.

Definition of Cultural Competence

• Cultural competence is the ability to interact effectively across diverse backgrounds, incorporating awareness, knowledge, and communication skills necessary for positive engagement.

Traits of a Culturally Competent Therapist

• Culturally competent therapists recognize their own culture, explore biases, respect diversity, understand different cultures, and select appropriate culturally sensitive interventions.