Pos-Psy- Part 2

• Diversity among Practitioners and Clients


  Diversity is important for psychologists because different identities in race and culture shape individuals' worldviews, and in turn, their psychology
• The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) has a statement on non-discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
• The code of ethics for Philippine psychologists includes respecting the diversity among peoples and persons, including those from indigenous communities, and respecting the customs and beliefs of cultures
• Cultural sensitivity


  A set of skills that persons possess and develop, allowing one to understand and be able to accept another person's culture – similarities and differences
• Cultural competence


  The set of skills expressed (engagement) leading to the understanding and acceptance of another culture
• Set of skills related to sensitivity to another culture


  • cultural awareness
  • knowledge
  • skills
  • Encountering
  • Motivation - involve mirroring one's own cultural habits and values with the habits and values of other cultures
• Why is cultural sensitivity important?


  • Improves health and wellness
  • Fosters a peaceful society
  • Promotes respect
  • Avoids inequality
  • Promotes cultural diversity
  • Benefits organizations
• Why is cultural sensitivity important in mental health care?


  • Improved patient satisfaction
  • Broadens market reach and increases audience engagement
  • Increased patient safety
  • Comprehensive understanding of subject matter
  • Effective communication
  • Develop positive relationships with clients
• Cross-cultural positive psychology


  Positive psychology applied from a multicultural perspective
• Culture influences how people seek psychological help, their definitions of social structure, and coping strategies
• Early psychological models of racial and ethnic differences viewed deviations from the characteristics of the dominant culture negatively, and as indicative of weakness or pathological functioning
• The self does not hold the same meaning across cultures - in Western societies, the self is seen as independent and autonomous, whereas the self in collectivistic cultures is seen as interdependent and dutiful
• In the Philippines, the psychology of Man (male, female, non-binary) is based on Kapwa (others + me), where the person is defined through one's personhood (pagkatao) reflecting through his/her/they engagement-relationship with others
• How to be culturally sensitive and confident?


  • Learn about yourself
  • Learn about different cultures
  • Interact with diverse groups
  • Attend diversity-focused conferences
  • Lobby your department