Summary: <p>Improving Cultural Competence<br> Working with Latino/Latina Persons<br> Instructor: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes, PhD<br> Executive Director: AllCEUs.com, Counselor Education and Training<br> Podcast Host: Counselor Toolbox & Happiness Isn’t Brain Surgery</p> <p>Objectives<br> A Framework<br> ~ The ecological systems approach provides a structure for understanding the importance of cultural adaptation in social work practice.<br> ~ Macro Level: Culture frames the norms, values, and behaviors that operate on every other level<br> ~ Micro Level represents the individual beliefs and behaviors<br> ~ Mezzo Level represents family customs and communication patterns<br> ~ Exo Level is how that individual perceives and interacts with the larger structures such as the school system or local law enforcement<br> ~ the relationships between individuals, institutions, and the larger cultural context within the ecological framework are bidirectional, creating a dynamic and rapidly evolving system<br> Communication<br> ~ Reading and writing are NOT a common means of communication among those from lower SES<br> ~ Verbal and nonverbal communications from Hispanics usually are characterized by respeto (respect)<br> ~ There is an element of formality in Hispanic interactions, especially when older persons are involved: –<br> ~ Overfamiliarity is NOT appreciated in early relationships.<br> ~ Direct eye contact is less. –<br> ~ It is uncommon for Hispanics to be aggressive or assertive in health care interactions, they usually respond is silence and noncompliance.<br> Communication<br> ~ Early attention must be given to building rapport.<br> ~ Rapport begins through exchange of pleasantries before beginning assessment or treatment for the day<br> ~ Personalismo (politeness and courtesy)is essential<br> ~ Unconditional recognition of the essential value of each individual<br> ~ Confianza: Being “trustworthy” based largely on personal relationships and rapport, the idea that a person “knows us” or “is one of us” far outweighs that person’s credentials or professional accomplishments<br> ~ Hispanics expect health care personnel to be warm and personal and express a strong need to be treated with dignity.<br> Communication<br> ~ Building confianza<br> ~ Take the time to get to know them as individuals – and don’t underestimate the importance of family to one’s individual identity in Latino culture.<br> ~ If Spanish is their primary language, make an effort to communicate with them in Spanish to some degree.<br> ~ Older person should be addressed by their last name.<br> ~ Avoid gesturing, some may have adverse connotations.<br> ~ Encourage the patient to ask questions.<br> Cultural Beliefs<br> ~ Latinos are an ethnic rather than a racial group; Latinos can be of any race.<br> ~ Mexican Americans are the largest group (63 percent), followed by Central and South Americans (13.4 percent), Puerto Ricans (9.2 percent), and Cubans (3.5 percent)<br> Religion<br> ~ Many Latinos place great importance on the practice of Roman Catholicism.<br> ~ Central tenets of Latino Catholicism are sacrifice, charity, and forgiveness.<br> ~ These beliefs can hinder assertiveness, but they can also be a source of strength and recovery<br> ~ Along with Catholicism the use of magicoreligious is common: – Candles with pictures of saints<br> ~ People’s relationship with church is changing<br> ~ Protestant evangelical churches role is increasing</p> <p>Cultural Values<br> ~ Latinos can face somewhat different triggers for relapse relating to acculturative stress or the need to uphold particular cultural values<br> ~ Personalismo is the use of positive personal qualities to accomplish a task.<br> ~ Machismo is the traditional sense of responsibility Latino men feel for the welfare and protection of their families<br> ~ La familia is the collective identity<br> ~ Protective factors: family wa</p>
