Cultural Competency and Research Analysis
***Attached is the case study that was chosen and some research questions that pertain to the assignment (1-4). Also, attached is the template for the paper. ***
This is the first component of your course project. For this assignment, you will demonstrate your ability to apply psychological principles and research findings to a situation related to culture, ethnicity, and diversity.
Note: In this assignment, you begin your project work on the case study that you chose in the Week 2 discussion. You will use this case throughout your course project.
Instructions
After completing the assignment preparation study in Week 2, write a 6-8-page paper in which you examine three main areas as they relate to the specific case you have selected:
Theory: Application of theory to the specific case.
Research: Understanding of research methods and application of findings.
Cultural Competence: Knowledge and application of cultural competency skills.
Theory
Select a minimum of two theories that are relevant to the case you chose. The theories should help explain concerns for the client, such as developmental or contextual issues. Analyze how those psychological theories point toward potential solutions for a problem.
Of the theories you select, make sure that at least one provides a framework for understanding the cultural issues between the individuals in the case.
Explain how these theories help us to understand the individual client or patient in the case and how they can direct the professionals in the case to a potential solution.
Note that theory can help us understand where the individual (client or patient) is in her development. For example, psychosocial theory would help explain individual development, or ecological systems theory would help explain the impact of environmental interaction on the individual.
Research
Select two original research studies that help us understand the situation in the case you selected and potentially lead to interventions in the case.
Cite the research studies, using APA style.
Explain the research design and methods used in the research studies. What type of research was conducted, who was studied, and how?
Describe the researchers’ findings.
Next, explain how the findings in the studies relate to the case you selected. How do these findings help us formulate a potential solution/intervention in the case?
Cultural Competency
Use a model of cultural competency to explain the competencies needed for working in a culturally diverse environment.
Apply those cultural competencies to Help the professional in the case to help resolve a particular culture-related issue.
Construct a plan to develop your own professional cultural sensitivity. (For this section you may write in first person).
Explain how the guidelines you developed for the professional will help guide you in your future work as a professional.
Discuss some steps you could take to further your own growth in cultural competencies.
Note: Be sure you review the scoring guide to understand how you will be graded. Work toward the distinguished level for each scoring guide criterion.
You can use the APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX]Links to an external site. to ensure that you are formatting your paper from title page through references page according to APA guidelines.
Submission Requirements
Your paper should meet the following requirements:
Written communication: Written communication is free from errors that detract from the overall message.
APA format: Comply with current APA style and format. See Evidence and APALinks to an external site..
Number of resources: A minimum of five academic resources. Two of those must be original research studies. The other sources will support your basis in theory and cultural competency.
Length of paper: 6-8 typed, double-spaced pages, in addition to the title page and references page.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Portfolio Prompt: You are encouraged to save this learning activity to your ePortfolioLinks to an external site..
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment scoring guide criteria:
Competency 1: Apply psychological theory and concepts to individual, organizational, and social issues.
Analyze how psychological theories point toward potential solutions for a problem.
Competency 2: Apply empirical research findings to issues in psychology.
Analyze how research findings suggest potential solutions in a case.
Competency 3: Use scientific research methods and findings to address psychological phenomena.
Explain research methods used in multiple research studies
Competency 5: Evaluate decisions or actions based on cultural competence and ethical principles.
Evaluate cultural competencies based on a model of cultural competency that a psychologist may use to help resolve a particular culture-related issue.
Competency 6: Integrate knowledge of psychology with personal values and goals to guide personal, collaborative, and professional behavior.
Construct a plan to develop one’s own professional cultural sensitivity.
Competency 7: Communicate effectively with diverse recipients in a manner that is consistent with expectations for psychology professionals.
Communicate clearly supporting a central idea with good organization of thought, and correct grammar and sentence structure.
Apply APA style and formatting to written work.
Cultural Competency and Research Analysis
Cultural Competency and Research Analysis
Criteria Ratings Pts
Analyze how psychological theories point toward potential solutions for a problem.
view longer descriiption
Introduction:
In this paper, I will analyze a case study of a culturally diverse family seeking psychological services. The case involves a young couple, Sarah and Ali, from a Middle Eastern background who are seeking services due to conflicts in their marriage. They have been living in the United States for the past five years and are struggling to balance their cultural differences with their newfound American lifestyle. This paper will explore three main areas as they relate to this case: theory, research, and cultural competence.
Theory:
The two theories that are relevant to the case are Ecological Systems Theory and Psychosocial Theory. Ecological Systems Theory posits that individuals are affected by multiple environments, including family, school, and community. The theory helps explain the impact of environmental interaction on the individual. In this case, Sarah and Ali are struggling to balance their cultural backgrounds with their new American lifestyle. Their cultural environment is different, which is leading to conflicts in their marriage. The theory suggests that understanding the cultural environment of the individuals in the case is crucial for developing a potential solution.
Psychosocial Theory, on the other hand, would help explain individual development. The theory explains that an individual’s personality and behavior are the result of the interaction between their internal psychological processes and the social environment. In this case, the theory would help explain how the couple’s personality and behavior are the result of their cultural background and the environment they currently live in.
Research:
Two original research studies that can help us understand the situation in the case and potentially lead to interventions are a study conducted by Sue et al. (2019) on the effects of cultural competence training on mental health services and a study by Chiu et al. (2018) on the impact of acculturation on marital satisfaction.
Sue et al. (2019) conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of cultural competence training on the delivery of mental health services. The study found that cultural competence training improved the providers’ attitudes, knowledge, and skills, resulting in better patient outcomes. The study’s findings suggest that cultural competence training could be an effective intervention for mental health providers working with culturally diverse clients.
Chiu et al. (2018) conducted a longitudinal study on the impact of acculturation on marital satisfaction among Asian Americans. The study found that acculturation, specifically the degree of biculturalism, positively influenced marital satisfaction. The study’s findings suggest that understanding the level of biculturalism in a culturally diverse couple could be an effective intervention in resolving conflicts in their marriage.
Cultural Competence:
The model of cultural competence that I will use to explain the competencies needed for working in a culturally diverse environment is the Cultural Competence Continuum Model. According to this model, there are five levels of cultural competence: cultural destructiveness, cultural incapacity, cultural blindness, cultural pre-competence, and cultural proficiency.
To Help the professional in the case to help resolve a particular culture-related issue, the cultural competence skill needed is cultural humility. Cultural humility involves the willingness to learn about and from individuals from different cultures, as well as acknowledging and addressing power imbalances between individuals from different cultures.
To develop my own professional cultural sensitivity, I will construct a plan that involves:
Increasing my knowledge of different cultures through reading and attending cultural events.
Reflecting on my own cultural biases and values.
Engaging in ongoing self-reflection and self-Assessment to understand how my cultural background influences my interactions with clients from different cultures.
Seeking out opportunities to work with culturally diverse clients and collaborating with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds.
The guidelines I developed for the professional will help guide me in my future work as a professional by reminding me to approach clients from a place of cultural humility and to continually engage in self-reflection and self awareness to challenge my own biases and assumptions.
Additionally, the guidelines will help me to recognize the importance of cultural diversity in the workplace and to actively promote inclusivity and equity. This may involve advocating for policies and practices that support diversity and challenging discriminatory behavior and attitudes in the workplace.
Moreover, the guidelines will encourage me to prioritize ongoing education and training to deepen my understanding of cultural diversity and to develop my skills in cross-cultural communication and collaboration. This may involve attending workshops, conferences, and other professional development opportunities that focus on cultural humility, diversity, and inclusion.
Ultimately, the guidelines will help me to build strong and meaningful relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds and to provide them with effective and culturally responsive services. By approaching my work with cultural humility and a commitment to ongoing learning and growth, I can help promote greater understanding, respect, and inclusion across all aspects of society.
