Appraisal and Assessment in Cross-Cultural Counseling

Abstract

W Wa al lt te er r J J. . L Lo on nn ne er r a an nd d F Fa ar ra ah h A A. . I Ib br ra ah hi im m P Pr ri im ma ar ry y O Ob bj je ec ct ti iv ve e • To present a general overview of contemporary issues and problems associated with the appraisal and assessment of individuals whose cultural or ethnic origins are different from that of the counselor or others in the helping professions S Se ec co on nd da ar ry y O Ob bj je ec ct ti iv ve es s• To provide counselors and other professionals with relevant resources considered to be useful in increasing one's competence in the area of culture-sensitive assessment and appraisal in cross-cultural counseling • To assist in the process of selecting appropriate assessment and appraisal strategies leading to effective and culture-specific diagnosis and counseling or treatment options ASSESSING AND APPRAISING INDIVIDUALS FROM A BROAD SPECTRUM OF CULTURES AND ETHNIC groups, especially in today's global economy, has drawn much attention from clinicians and counselors.A significant part of this interest has involved ongoing challenges and difficulties with a number of conceptual and methodological concerns at both theoretical and applied levels. These challenges and difficulties include the identification, assessment, and/or measurement of culture-related variables thought to be important in the process of professional intervention. These variables are found All else being equal, the most effective counseling takes place in settings that are culturally isomorphic. This means that there is a high degree of equality in experiences that the client and counselor bring to the professional encounter. High isomorphism guarantees that individuals in such relationships will generally be "on the same page. " This will be enhanced because those in the relationship 38

A Comparison of Family Environment Characteristics Among White (Non‐Hispanic), Hispanic, and African Caribbean Groups

“…This measure can be used to compare family members' perceptions of their family of origin and to assess family functioning (Ray &Jackson, 1997), growth, and change in family systems (Moos & Moos, 1981). Because most psychological tests have been designed, produced, and validated in Western countries (Lonner & Ibrahim, 1996;Segall, Lonner, & Berry, 1998), their use with other populations has been questioned. Some researchers believe that because differences among cultures are so great, each group should be assessed with different instruments (Greenfield, 1997;Lonner & Ibrahim, 1996).…”

“…Because most psychological tests have been designed, produced, and validated in Western countries (Lonner & Ibrahim, 1996;Segall, Lonner, & Berry, 1998), their use with other populations has been questioned. Some researchers believe that because differences among cultures are so great, each group should be assessed with different instruments (Greenfield, 1997;Lonner & Ibrahim, 1996). Other researchers argue, however, that when differences are found using the same instrument, the differences can be interpreted as reflecting genuine cultural differences (Segall et al, 1998).…”

Conceptualizations of Competence and Culture: Taking Up the Postmodern Interest in Social Interaction

“…Looking closely at interactions allows counselors to observe what they do to realize the imperatives they claim to adhere to. As well, analyses can focus on how participants in a counseling interaction make relevant or resist particular culture bound systems of meanings for determining normalcy and pathology (Lonner & Ibrahim, 2002). An analysis of culturally sensitive practices would ask how this is accomplished and by what practices alternate ways of meaning making are legitimized or marginalized.…”

The Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Mental Disorders among Muslims

“…Finding methods of assessment that would provide useful, and meaningful interpretation of results is difficult (Ibrahim & Cameron, 2004;Lonner & Ibrahim, 2008;Okazaki & Sue, 1995). Although, ethical mandates are in place to acknowledge these issues in psychological assessments, no firm legal guidance exists in the United States.…”