Alex Zamora, LMSW

November 9, 2011

Cultural Competency: Ethical considerations on reaching

Idaho’s Latino population

Goal for this morning1. Reflect on the importance of cultural

competency as outlined in various codes of ethics

2. General understanding of key components of Idaho’s Latino community

Specifically how this issue can influence treatment

Two types of ethical reasoning1. Intuitive ethical judgment

Gut feeling

2. Critical-Evaluative ethical judgment Deliberate Problem solving followed by ethical

principles

Fundamental ethical principles Autonomy

Freedom and dignityNonmaleficence

Do no harmBeneficence

Responsibility to do goodFidelity

Faithfulness to truthJustice

Obligation to act fairly

Promise of JusticeACA preamble:

“…Association members recognize diversity in our society and embrace a cross-cultural approach in support of worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of each individual.”

APA Principle D: Respect of People’s Rights and Dignity“Psychologists are aware of and respect cultural,

individual, and role differences… based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin…”

NASW 1.05 Cultural Competence and Social Diversity“Social workers should understand culture and its

function in human behavior…”

Misinterpretation1. Failure to take culture into account2. Failure to acknowledge intra-culture

differences

Idaho

Since 2000, Latino population…

Grew by 73%

(approx. 176,000 total)

Population Breakdown-23.9% in Canyon County,

35.4 Caldwell22.9 Nampa

-7.1% in Ada County7.1% Boise6.8% Meridian

-14.9% in Payette County-16.8% in Washington County

What are we dealing with?34%

youth poverty rate$18,000

median annual income34%

without health insurance28.9%

academically ineligible to join the military

Cultural Value ConceptsMachismo

Dictates that men show power via strength and decision-making

MarianismoConcept purity and moral strength

Family systemLoyalty and protection of family

BiculturalismJuncture of two culturesMedian age of Idaho Latino?

22 years old

TreatmentAddress the juncture Deconstruct meta-narratives Apply personal therapy modalities

Remember our promise of Justice?

ACA preamble:“…Association members recognize diversity in our

society and embrace a cross-cultural approach in support of worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of each individual.”

APA Principle D: Respect of People’s Rights and Dignity“Psychologists are aware of and respect cultural,

individual, and role differences… based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin…”

NASW 1.05 Cultural Competence and Social Diversity“Social workers should understand culture and its

function in human behavior…”

Case StudyJuan is a 20 year old second-generation Mexican-

American living outside of Boise. His parents were originally from Texas, and migrated to Idaho for work and made it a permanent home. His mother and father have been married for 25 years. Mom has never worked outside of the home and Dad works in agriculture. Dad has always been aggressive, occasionally engaging in domestic violence. Juan is scared of his dad.

Juan is seeking mental health treatment because he continuously having difficulties with significant others, always ending relationships when he feels they get “too serious.”

ReferencesFalicov, C. J. (2010). Changing Constructions of Machismo

for Latino Men in Therapy: “The Devil Never Sleeps.” Family Process, 49(3), 309-329.

Organista, K. C. (2009). New Practice Model for Latinos in Need of Social Work Services. Social Work, 54(4), 297-305.

Torres, L. & Rollock, D. (2009). Psychological Impact of Negotiating Two Cultures: Latino Coping and Self-Esteem. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 37, 219-228.

Welfel, E.R. (2010). Ethics in counseling and psychotherapy: Standards, research, and emerging issues (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.