6107-3 Examining Psychopathology Considering Cultural Competence

Warm Up Activity 3.1

While reading the assigned book chapter and articles, consider the following questions:

1. How does the concept of social constructionism influence the perception of various norms and beliefs system, including the understanding of what behavior is considered acceptable or out of the norm? (To refresh your understanding of social constructionism, watch Ken Gergen talks about Social Constructionist Ideas, Theory and Practice, available in the Week 3 Resources area).
2. How are aspects of an individual such as ethnic identity and sociocultural background associated with disparities in accessing and benefiting from mental health care?
3. As an MFT, how do you plan to bridge the gap in the discussed disparities? What is your ethical position regarding the promotion of assessment and treatment; and how does systems thinking assist you in this pursuit?

Main Task

Select one of the following movies. You can find these movies on Netflix (or other subscription video streaming websites), Red Box (or video store), or at your local public library.

• Riedel, G., &, Azoff, I., Jashni, J., & Baer, M. (Producers) Rich, M. (Director). (1994). The inkwell [Motion picture]. USA: Walt Disney Studio.
• Cohen, B., Hart, J., Rudin, S. (Producers) & Mendes, S. (Director). (2008). Revolutionary road. USA.
• Iron, D., Urdl, S., Weiss, J. (Producers) & Polley, S. (Director). (2006). Away from her. USA: Foundry Films.

After reading the assigned materials and watching one of the assigned movies, write a paper describing specific challenges faced by the patient and his/her family and how you as an MFT could help the family to address these challenges. Start by presenting the case from the perspective of cultural humility and cultural diversity. Imagine that you work in a health care setting or in a psychiatric facility with other health care and mental health professionals. Think of how you will introduce this family during a weekly staff meeting attended by physicians, social workers, nurses, and a director of clinical operations. Consider the questions you would like to ask the family and other health care professionals in order to build a better understanding of the identified patient and the information you would like to provide to other health care professionals that will help them to take care of this family.

Length: 3-5 pages

Ken Gergen talks about Social Constructionist Ideas, Theory and Practice

Youtube Video: