Discussion Questions (General)

1. Think back to before you read this chapter—at that point, what was your own personal understanding of well-being?
2. What are your own personal values as they relate to well-being? What are your understandings about the nature of the self as you see it at work for you? What are some of the implicit cultural assumptions you have been raised with, or have adopted, that guide these understandings?
3. Can you think of an example of intersectionality in your current life? If you can, do the identities involved fit together well for you, or has their intersection ever been a source of inner conflict? If the latter, how have you resolved the conflict, or how might you resolve it?
4. Visit with a friend from another cultural background or, alternatively, a relative from another age cohort in your family. Ask the other person if he or she has any thoughts about what constitutes a “life lived well.” (Most people have some thoughts about this topic). How are this person’s thoughts similar to your own? How are they different?
5. What are some ways in which counselors can ensure that they remain aware of implicit cultural biases?