Diversity Abnormal Psychology

Goals of Psychology Etic = find universals across cultures –e.g., human nature Emic = culture-specific understanding –e.g., context & person variables

Group Identities Groups that share… Customs –e.g., football game Values –e.g., privacy, individualism Language Geographic location

Dimensions of Individual Identity “A” Dimensions –___________

“B” Dimensions –Geographic location –Educational background –Hobbies, interests –Military experience –Relationship status –Religion, Spirituality –Work experience –Health Practices

“C” Dimensions –Historical era (e.g., Victorian, modern) –Historical moments (e.g., Sept.11) –_________________ (e.g., Gen X)

Gender Specific to women –Family vs. career –Biological clock Specific to men –Primacy expectations –______________ clock ____________ sexism –Women should be protected, supported, & adored –Implies weakness Hostile sexism –Adversarial: Women & men competing for control –Women try to manipulate & control Life & identity issues

Race: Latino/a example Respect Authority Familismo Gender roles: Machismo/Marianismo _____________ Language

Assumptions of homogeneity Country of origin History Customs Within country differences Gender _______________

Acculturation Age of migration ____________ migration Country of origin Gender

Accept Reject Own Culture Own Culture Accept New Culture __________ Acculturation Reject New Culture Isolation Marginalization

Sexuality Categorical or dimensional? –Lay categories: straight, bisexual, gay, asexual –Dimensional (Kinsey) Gender roles Gender differences

Researching Homosexuality Biological –Promote ______________ Treatment –Find a cure Study Diversity –Promote understanding Promote gay mental health

Impacts Psychology Assessment –What & how to ask –Misunderstandings –Individual’s Context Diagnosis –________________ (e.g., religious visions/voices) –Cultural manifestations (e.g., somatization) –DSM-IV ___________________ address

Treatment –___________________ of therapist –Need to have working knowledge or consult –Strengths, weaknesses of culture –Typical issues (e.g., coming out of closet) Research –Representative sample –Medications (e.g., elderly metabolize meds slower, need lower dose, often have drug interactions )

Prevention –Need to identify population-specific risk factors Education –Role models –Diversity addressed in classes