Culture
the values, beliefs, attitudes, languages, symbols, rituals, behaviors, and customs unique to a particular group of people and passed from one generation to the next. Culture is learned, shared, social in nature, dynamic and constantly changing.
Ethnicity
a classification of people based on national origin and or culture. (African-American, Asian/Pacific American, European American, Hispanic American, Middle Eastern/Arabic Americans, Native Americans)
Race
a classification of people based on physical or biological characteristics such as the color of skin, hair, and eyes; facial features; blood type; and bone structure.
Cultural Diversity
differences based on cultural, ethnic, and racial factors.
Cultural Assimilation
a process to represent the absorption of many cultures into the dominant culture (salad bowl or melting pot)
Acculturation
the process of learning the beliefs and behaviors of a dominant culture and assuming some of the characteristics does occur.
Sensitivity
the ability to recognize and appreciate the personal characteristics of others--essential in healthcare
Bias
a preference that inhibits impartial judgment
Ethnocentric
individuals who believe in the supremacy of their own ethnic group
Prejudice
to prejudge--strong feeling or belief about a person or subject that is formed without reviewing the facts or information
Stereotyping
occurs when an assumption is made that everyone in a particular group is the same
Holistic Care
care that provides for the well-being of the whole person and meets not only physical needs, but also social, emotional, and mental needs.
Nuclear family
consists of a mother, father, and children
Extended family
nuclear family plus grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Patriarchal
father or oldest male is the authority figure.
Matriarchal
mother or oldest female is the authority figure.
Personal Space
(territorial space) describes the distance people require to feel comfortable while interacting with others.
Spirituality
defined as the beliefs individuals have about themselves, their connections with others, and their relationship with a higher power.
Religion
an organized system of belief in a superhuman power or higher power
Atheist
person who does not believe in any deity
Agnostic
an individual who believes that the existence of God cannot be proved or disproved.
Showing respect for a patients spiritual beliefs and practices
1) willing listening 2) support for spiritual and religious practices 3) respect of symbols and books 4) Privacy during clergy visits 5) refrain from imposing your beliefs on the patient
South African beliefs
1) maintain harmony of body, mind and spirit
2) cause: spirits, demons, or punishments from god
3) treatment: prayer or religious rituals
Asian beliefs
1) health is balance of yin and yang
2) treatment : herbal remedies, acupuncture
3) believe pain must be endured silently
European beliefs
1) illness caused by outside sources
2) Treat with medication, surgery, diet, and exercise
Hispanic beliefs
1) health is reward from god, good luck
2) heat and cold remedies to restore balance, prayers, and massage
Middle Eastern beliefs
1) health is spiritual, cleanliness is essential
2) males dominate and make decisions on health care
3) spiritual causes of illness, evil eye
Native American beliefs
1) health is harmony with nature
2) illness caused by supernatural forces and evil spirit
3) healer: medicine man
4) tolerance of pain signifies strength and power