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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page discussion of the importance of culture in making cross cultural psychological assessments. These authors point out that diagnostic approaches have been devised through the years that become very questionable as to their accuracy in the cross cultural environment. No additional sources are listed.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: AM2_PPpsyCul.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Psychotherapists have attempted to distinguish the so-called "normal" personality from deviations from the norm for generations. They have concluded time and time again, however, that social behavior is
inextricably linked not only to physiological function but also to culture. Cross cultural scenarios thus introduce tremendous complexity into the psychotherapeutic experience. An article published in "The Counseling
Psychologist" written by authors Charles R. Ridley, Lisa C. Li, and Carrie L. Hill, in fact, asserts that numerous diagnostic approaches have been devised through the years that become very
questionable as to their accuracy in the cross cultural environment. The article noted above reemphasizes the fact that the testing that is
employed in psychology can sometimes be inadequate in its assessment of actual mental health. In a textbook scenario testing can reveal numerous aspects about an individual which allow a
therapist to more fully understand their mental capacities and state. Testing is important as well in analyzing an individuals personality traits. The American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) is a critical component of this diagnosis. It provides descriptions for various mental and psychological disorders and breaks them down into diagnostic classes.
Utilizing the DSM IV along with testing methodologies allows the practitioner a means of evaluating and classifying an individuals problems. Ridley, Li, and Hill (1998), however, point out
that there are certain problems inherent in interpreting test results in the cross-cultural environment. These authors contend that some psychological tests are culturally biased and that only few counselors
are qualified for assessing those from outside their own culture (Ridley, Li, and Hill, 1998). Considering the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), for example, these authors point out numerous
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