Cultural Competence And Its Diversity - 1380 Words

Cultural Competence BY: Nardos, Carmen, and Mona Cultural Competence Is the ability to apply knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to clients of diverse backgrounds and beliefs to overcome barriers and access resources promoting health and wellness (Pearson, p.1640,2015) Characteristics of Cultural Competence are Valuing Diversity Cultural Self-Assessment Cultural Awareness Cultural Knowledge Cultural Adaptability Valuing Diversity Diversity refers to an array of differences among individuals, groups, and communities (Pearson, p.1629, 2015). Differences among individuals are: sex, age, culture, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, educational attainment, and spirituality. Diversity can occur†¦show more content†¦Provides effective communication with individuals such as: being aware of different gestures, facial expression, and eye contact Cultural Knowledge Cultural Knowledge is obtaining a sound educational foundation concerning the various world views of different cultures (Berman, Frandsen, Snyder, p.280, 2016). Cultural behaviors are learned by: Observing others’ actions Hearing instructions on what behaviors are right or wrong Imitating others doing a behavior Getting reinforcement (either positive ore negative) for enacting behaviors Internalizing behaviors Spontaneously doing the behaviors without thinking about it (Pearson p.1634, 2015). Cultural Adaptability Acculturation is the process of not only adapting to another culture but also accepting the majority group’s culture as one’s own. Because culture is complex, members of a cultural group may engage in many behaviors and habits unconsciously, making them difficult to explain to others (Pearson, p.1634, 2015). Some symbolic examples of Cultural Adaptability can be: Tiger balm-represents substances that are used in massage therapy as a way of restoring mental health. (Singapore) Rosary beads-symbolize prayer and meditation methods used in spiritual restoration. (Italy) Herbal remedies-aromatic plants that may be used by people from all ethno cultural traditional backgrounds as one method of restoring physical health. (Africa) The eye-