Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window

Multicultural Personality: An Evolving Theory of Optimal Functioning in Culturally Heterogeneous Societies

Joseph G. Ponterotto

The article presents a summary of Ponterotto’s theory of Multicultural Personality.  The Multicultural Personality provides a framework for individuals seeking to understand personality elements and competencies that may improve communications and human relations across a variety of cultural differences and categories.

1. Examine the definition of the Multicultural Personality.  Is there any aspect that you would remove from this definition?  Is there any aspect that you would remove from the definition?  Why or why not?  Which aspects of this definition are most significant, in your opinion?
2. What, in your opinion, are the benefits to the field of counseling psychology of further research and development of the concept of the Multicultural Personality?
3. Describe a research study that you would develop to further explore the concept of the Multicultural Personality?  What variables and parameters would your study include or reference?

Culture, Personality, Health, and Family Dynamics: Cultural Competence in the Selection of Culturally Sensitive Treatments

Len Sperry

The article describes a strategy for selecting culturally sensitive treatments based upon an assessment of personality, family dynamics, health and/or medical conditions.  A case study is included to demonstrate the strategy

1. What is the difference between cultural sensitivity and cultural competence?  Is it possible for a counselor to practice one, but not both of these concepts?  Describe what is necessary to move from cultural sensitivity  to cultural competence?
2. In your view, how comprehensive are the seven guidelines for selecting a culturally sensitive treatment?  Are there any additions or modifications to these guidelines that you would recommend?
3. Considering the four categories examined through this strategy (cultural dynamics, personality dynamics, family dynamics, and health), which of these would be the most difficult for you to assess and evaluate?  Why?  Which would be the easiest to assess and evaluate?  Why?