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Diagnostic considerations in working with Asian-Americans
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Ethnic differences are crucial in diagnosis, not extraneous variables. Understanding Asian-American cultural values is key for accurate intellectual and personality assessments, focusing on adaptive behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Cultural Psychiatry
Background:
- Ethnic differences are increasingly recognized as significant factors in clinical diagnosis.
- The practical integration of cultural considerations into diagnostic processes remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the influence of Asian-American cultural views and values on psychological assessment.
- To propose a framework for incorporating cultural behaviors into diagnostic evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis of cultural factors in psychological assessment.
- Discussion of Asian-American cultural perspectives relevant to intellectual and personality functioning.
Main Results:
- Asian-American cultural norms can impact the presentation and interpretation of intellectual and personality assessments.
- Standard diagnostic approaches may not adequately capture the nuances of culturally influenced behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic assessments must move beyond viewing ethnicity as a confounding variable.
- Integrating an understanding of the adaptive potential of cultural behaviors is essential for culturally sensitive and accurate psychological diagnosis.