On the Need for Cultural Competence in Psychology and Psychotherapy. Part I: From Ethnocentrism to Cultural Sensitivity
Abstrakt
Aim: This article examines cultural competence as a key dimension of professional practice in psychology, emphasizing its role in counteracting subtle forms of ethnocentrism that remain prevalent in contemporary psychology.
Arguments: The article critically discusses the dominance of research conducted within WEIRD populations and the resulting limitations for psychological theory and practice. It is argued that a lack of cultural sensitivity leads to a narrowed understanding of human functioning, whereas cultural competence constitutes a necessary condition for ethical and contextually appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic practice. The article also invites deeper reflection on cultural competence as a foundational component of psychologists’ professional identity.
Conclusions: The analysis highlights the need for sustained and systematic development of cultural competence in both psychological and psychotherapeutic practice. The issues discussed here serve as an introduction to further considerations, which will be elaborated in the subsequent part of this series (On the Need for Cultural Competence in Psychology and Psychotherapy. Part II: From Theory to Clinical Practice).
Słowa kluczowe:
cross-cultural psychology, cultural competence, cultural sensitivity, ethnocentrism, cultural blindness, WEIRDBibliografia
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