Introduction
Professionals involved in healthcare and social work are dedicated to fostering social change and solving human relationship problems. The main objective of these activities is to provide empowerment, liberation, and enhance individual wellbeing (Neswald-Potter & Simmons, 2016). However, social workers and mental health professionals often face difficulties in making judgments for their clients based on their perception, interpretation, and worldview. This challenge is amplified when professionals from Western countries engage in developing nations. The cultural and social differences, along with the power imbalance between the West and other countries, significantly impact the effectiveness of such practices. Child labor is a growing social challenge recognized by the United Nations, with high prevalence in Ethiopia (Wako, 2016). This essay discusses the planning of a Western psychologist working in a multidisciplinary team in Ethiopia to combat child labor, focusing on cultural theories and psychological interventions relevant to cross-cultural practice.
Cross-Cultural Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Practice
Extensive debate surrounds the role of culture in cross-cultural psychotherapeutic practice. It is crucial to fully comprehend the concept of culture and its defining parameters. According to Hutchison and Gerstein (2017), culture is a distinct way of living shared by a particular group of individuals in a specific time or geographic location. It includes values, beliefs, customs, norms, history, etymological factors, religious practices, and geographical factors. Baruth and Manning (2016) highlight that culture influences individuals’ thought processes, communication, relationships, societal structure, emotional expression, and response to their surroundings. Individuals learn their culture through behavior, with family and society playing pivotal roles. Cultural identity is developed based on core values, practices, and traditions (Zeleke et al., 2019).
Step 1: Awareness of Own Cultural Values and Biases
The primary step towards effective cross-cultural counseling is enhancing awareness of one’s own cultural values and biases. This awareness allows counselors to recognize their strengths and limitations. Factors to consider include acknowledging one’s cultural and racial inheritance and understanding the influence of racism, discrimination, coercion, and stereotyping on communication and behavior. In an individualistic culture, characteristics like self-reliance and independence are valued, which may not be the norm in other cultures. Counselors must remain conscious of their biases during cross-cultural practice (Wako, 2016).
Step 2: Identifying Cultural Differences
Identifying cultural differences is essential. Ethiopia is culturally diverse, with various ethnic groups including Muslims, Christians, and Orthodox communities. These groups have distinct cultural norms, influenced by religious practices and historical customs. Ethiopian culture values older individuals, and social hierarchies exist, with men and women treated unequally (Sue, 2019). Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for effective intervention.
Step 3: Understanding the Possible Challenges in Cross-Cultural Counseling
Counselors and healthcare professionals must understand clients’ cultural and social beliefs to develop plans without disrupting their beliefs. Understanding Ethiopian realities facilitates a culturally sensitive approach (Lemma, 2015). Challenges include:
- Language barriers
- Cultural beliefs
- Restricted communication and client openness
- Lack of trust towards other cultures, especially the West
- Inadequate awareness of mental well-being
- Economic and financial limitations
- Ineffective government policies against child labor
Step 4: Economic Conditions
Economic conditions significantly impact health status. In Ethiopia, poor socio-economic status is a major cause of prevalent child labor, influencing parental decisions to have children work for financial support (Sue, 2019).
Step 5: Social Context
Understanding the social context helps practitioners increase awareness about values, beliefs, and practices in the cross-cultural community. Practitioners must learn about family dynamics, social hierarchy, communication patterns, and self-expression (Sue, 2019).
Step 6: Understanding Gender Roles
Understanding gender roles is crucial, as they vary across cultures. In Ethiopian culture, men’s opinions are more valued, and women are not encouraged to participate in discussions or decision-making. Recognizing these differences helps improve counseling interactions (Wako, 2019).
Step 7: Developing a Culturally Sensitive Approach
Developing a culturally sensitive approach requires considering all previously mentioned factors (Sue, 2019).
The RESPECTFUL Model
The RESPECTFUL model, proposed by Michael D’Andrea (1997), will be utilized. This model considers ten factors influencing an individual’s psychological development (Ivey, 2011):
- Religious: Understanding spiritual identity and the role of spiritual healers.
- Economic: Linking ethnic group backgrounds to individual strengths and limitations.
- Sexuality: Recognizing the importance of sexual orientation and identity in counseling.
- Psychological Maturity: Assessing individuals’ capability to respond to situations or problems.
- Ethnic and Racial Identity: Considering stereotyping and racial identity.
- Chronological Challenge: Recognizing cognitive and psychological skills influenced by environment and genetics.
- Trauma: Identifying social and political trauma.
- Family History: Attaining information on family dynamics.
- Unique: Recognizing individual strengths and limitations.
- Location: Considering climate, geographic factors, language barriers, and political factors.
Conclusion
Cultural and social differences and power imbalances between the West and other countries significantly influence the effectiveness of cross-cultural practice. Psychologists working in multidisciplinary teams in Ethiopia to combat child labor must be aware of their own cultural biases, understand other cultures, and use the RESPECTFUL model to provide ethically and culturally appropriate support.
