Cultural implications in treatment of Japanese american patients

Therapists encounter patients from varying cultural backgrounds. The values of occupational therapy parallel that of the Anglo American culture, i.e., independence, self-inititation, and internal motivation. To be truly effective as therapists it is important to be cognizant of how values and cultural aspects influence interactions, treatment, and perceptions of ability and disability. The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the values in the Japanese American culture, particularly the second generation (generally 40-65 years of age). Values such as deference, dependence, hierarchy, duty and obligation, and external motivation are discussed along with treatment implications and recommendations for treatment.