In American Psychological Association, (2003) guideline 1 talks about psychologists may be bias and hold attitudes, beliefs that can have an effect on their perception with interacting with individuals who are different from themselves. Psychologists are encouraged to learn how other cultures view the world. This article expresses how psychologist or just people in general view other people in categories in order to understand that person’s behavior (American Psychological Association, 2003). These types of behavior easily lead to bias and ineffective communication. Psychologists are advised to be aware of their own attitudes and be more tolerant of other cultures.
Guideline 2 talks about how psychologists need to know how an individual in a different group feels about being stigmatized. This is important for psychologist according to American Psychological Association, (2003), that the more knowledge and contact an individual have with the other group will increase intercultural communication and reduce prejudice and stereotyping. Psychologists are advised to understand other cultures perspective and behavior towards life experiences.
What biases, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs might you hold about culturally different groups?
Some of the biases, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs that I held among Hispanics were that appear to have some African American features along with some characteristics and personality traits as African Americans. This was my perceptive of Hispanics for a long time. I still believe that both African Americans and Hispanics have some of the same personalities and similar appearances. I also observed about the Hispanic group is how close they are with their families. Hispanics are very close to their families and believe in helping each other in every situation.
How might attitudes or perceptions influence your interaction with individuals who are culturally different from yourself?
On my job I interview a lot of Hispanics who are seeking child support services. Some Hispanics are not able to speak English which make it hard for me to help them. Sometime I would have to call an interpreter to assist the client, but with that it’s still difficult to help them completely. So I realized with some Hispanics I have to be really patient and understanding of what they are going through in order to seek help.
How knowledgeable are you about the values, practices, and experiences of individuals who are culturally different from yourself? Explain your answer.
I believe that I’m very somewhat knowledgeable about the values and practices of Hispanics. With my bachelors degree I had to take four courses of Spanish, which taught be a lot about Hispanic values, practices. Some of the values I learned are that Hispanic are a very close family. They believe in helping not only their nuclear family but their extended families as well. Some of my experiences with Hispanics are in school and on the job. On my job I find myself speaking some Spanish for just basic understanding.
What are your strengths and weaknesses in interacting with culturally different individuals and how might you address shortcomings?
Some of my strengths with interacting with any culturally different individuals are that I always remain respectful to the best of my ability. When dealing with culturally different clients at work I would always greet the individual by their last name. Some of my weaknesses are pronouncing their name. Most culturally people have names that are difficult to pronounce compared to Americans names. Some of the ways I would address my shortcomings when dealing with other cultures, is by studying and researching how different cultures view world.
Reference
American Psychological Association. (2003).Guidelines on multicultural education,
training, research, practice, and organizational change for psychologists. American
Psychologist, 58(5), 377.
Hall, G.C.N. (2010). Multicultural psychology (2nd Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson/Prentice Hall.