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Multicultural Approach in Geriatric Mental Health Services for Refugees and Immigrants. Agnes Hajek, ACSW Dr. Dixie Galapon Salwa Yalda. Session Objectives & Agenda. Culture self assessment. Have I been able to separate what is important to me, and what is important to my client?
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Multicultural Approach in Geriatric Mental Health Services for Refugees and Immigrants Agnes Hajek, ACSW Dr. Dixie Galapon Salwa Yalda
Culture self assessment • Have I been able to separate what is important to me, and what is important to my client? • What do I know about the client’s cultural heritage? • What is the client’s relationship with his/her culture from his/her perspective? • What are my stereotypes, beliefs and biases about this culture? • Have I appropriately consulted with other mental health professionals, members from this culture, and/or members of the client’s family or extended family? • Have I incorporated culturally appropriate strategies/techniques with this client? Adapted from the presentation of Dr. Erwin, Chika Asai, Jenny Durham, Amy Halvorson & Sarah Holte “Benefiting Multicultural Clients by Considering Acculturation” Counseling and Student Affairs Minnesota State University Moorhead North Dacota Counseling Conference Bismark, North Dakota February 6, 2006
Acculturation • The process by which two cultures in constant contact engage in an exchange of ideas, traditions, and characteristics that ultimately alter both cultures • The process can be emotionally and psychologically taxing, leading to mental distress and self-identity issues in individuals
Language Religious beliefs Educational status Employment Societal norms Social status Media usage Social relations Gender roles Assessing Acculturation Adapted from the presentation of Dr. Erwin, Chika Asai, Jenny Durham, Amy Halvorson & Sarah Holte “Benefiting Multicultural Clients by Considering Acculturation” Counseling and Student Affairs Minnesota State University Moorhead North Dacota Counseling Conference Bismark, North Dakota February 6, 2006
Individualism World view that respects personal goals and individual uniqueness more than communal goals and social unity Personal needs have priority over in-group needs Collectivism A worldview that group members are connected with and interdependent between each other In-group needs are placed before personal needs Individualism vs. Collectivism
Individualism The self is independent from a group Collectivism The self is a part of a group Self-Concept
Individualism Autonomous in interpersonal relationships Higher social skills in a starting new relationships May give up unproductive social relationships easily Collectivism Interpersonal harmony is the primal concern Take time in forming new relationships Relationships tend to be intimate and long-lasting Make efforts to maintain relationships Relationships
Individualism Direct communication style Focuses on content Verbal communication is stressed Collectivism Indirect communication style Focuses on context Non-verbal communication is important Communication Style
Individualism Assertiveness Expressing emotions Confrontation Collectivism Social support Avoidance Forbearance Coping Strategies
Berry’s Acculturation Principles • Cultural Maintenance • The extent individuals value and wish to maintain their cultural identity • Contact Participation • The extent individuals value and seek out contact with those outside their own group, and wish to participate in the daily life of the larger society
Characteristics of Acculturation • Integrated individuals • Individuals want to maintain their identity with home culture, but also wants to take on some characteristics of the new culture • Assimilated individuals • These people do not want to keep their identity from their home culture, but would rather take on all of the characteristics of the new culture • Separated individuals • They want to separate themselves from the dominant culture • Can be called segregation if it forced separation • Marginalized individuals • These individuals don’t want anything to do with either the new culture or the old culture
Factors Influential in Successful Coping with the impact of acculturation Amount of Exposure to the Culture Intercultural Competency Ethnic Self-Identity Social Support
For more information, please contact: UPAC-EMASS Escondido office: 760-233-1984 UPAC-EMASS El Cajon Site: 619-749-5560 Dr. Dixie Galapon Mental Health Director 619-229-2999 Agnes Hajek, ASW, MSW 619-208-4349 EMASS Program Manager Salwa Yalda 619-206-6661 CHW & Site Coordinator African American CHW Stephanie Wilson 619-208-3016 Hispanic/Latina CHW Gina Osuna & Rosa Lopez Somali CHWs FadumoJama 619-208-6444 Lolita Gatmaitan 619-208-6669 Filipino CHW