Hays ADDRESSING Model

Hays ADDRESSING Model Template

COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THIS TABLE FOR YOUR ASSESSMENT An example of a partially completed table is provided on the next page.
Cultural Group (according to the ADDRESSING model)	How You Identify	Implications for your work. Consider where you have privilege, and what groups might be easy or difficult to work with.
A. Age (and generational influences).	Young adult (30s) Specifically	Although I personally consider my age to be a privilege in many circumstances my age could be a detriment because my age is viewed as incompetent and unsophisticated. My clients may be hesitant of my credentials, aptitudes, and competences to work with them as well as their children. These clients would be difficult for me to work with.
D. Disability (developmental).	None	I am privileged to not suffer from a developmental disability that could potentially hinder me from being a psychology professional. I am also privileged to have experience in working with children with developmental disabilities therefore, it would not be easy for me to work with children with disabilities, but it would be difficult for me to work with adults with developmental disabilities.
D. Disability (acquired).	None	I do not have an acquired disability. Therefore, I do not have any impairments hindering me.
R. Religion and spiritual identity.	Christian	I am privileged to be a Christian and a strong believer in God. It would be easier for me to work with those who share in my beliefs, but I do not foresee complications arising in working with others that do not, solely based on their choice of religion; because I have experience in working with co-workers, parents, and children that share a different belief than myself.
E. Ethnicity and racial identity.	African American (Black)	I consider it a great privilege to be an African American. However, in society being African American is a disadvantage because we are perceived as beneath those of the Caucasian ethnicity. Prejudices, racism, and negative stereotypes towards African Americans still exist. It would be easier for me to work with other African Americans. However, it would be difficult for me to work with those that have a negative opinion of African Americans.
S. Socioeconomic status.	Middle Class	I am privileged to have grown up in a middle-class family. I have been forwarded opportunities that some people in lower-class were not. I am privileged to have been given a good education, great experiences, and overall a great home atmosphere by both parents. Although I have a passion for helping people that are a part of the lower-class It would be easier for me to work with other middle-class individuals because I do not understand from a personal standpoint the struggles, experiences, and circumstances that are associated with being part of the lower-class.
S. Sexual orientation.	Heterosexual (Straight)	I do not agree that same sex relationships are ok, but it would not be difficult to work with persons that are homosexual. I have worked with heterosexuals, homosexuals, and bisexuals. The way they choose to live their lives outside of the work atmosphere has no effect on me.
I. Indigenous heritage.	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
N. National origin.	American	I am privileged to be an American of African descent. It would be easier to work with other Americans of African descent. However, other than possible language or culture barriers I do not believe that my national origin would affect my ability to work with others.
G. Gender.	Gender: Female	I would have difficulty working with individuals who believe that some stereotypic gender roles are solely for that gender. In addition, I would have difficulty working with someone that views men superior to women. Lastly, I would also have difficulty working with males that identify as female and females that identify as male.

After filling out the table above, review your entries. Then use the space below and respond to the following:

1. Based on your entries to the table above, evaluate three areas where you have privilege and three areas where you do not (this is also part of the first discussion in this course). Provide examples of each.

Three areas in which I have privilege are my religion, my non-developmental

disability, and my socioeconomic status. I was privileged to grow up in a Christian household; learning to believe in, serve, and trust into a marvelous God. It’s a privilege to worship him. The fact that I do not have a developmental disability is also a privilege in that I do not have any mental or physical impairments such as autism, a learning disorder, etc. that would hinder me from working with others as a psychologist. It is also a privilege to have experience in working with children with developmental delays. Children with developmental delays are some of the sweetest kids that are very intelligent, and they have taught me a lot over the years. Lastly, I am privileged to be a part of the middle-class because I was given opportunities that a lot of other children were not given. In addition, I never had to worry whether or not I would eat on a certain day or wonder if the lights were going to be shut off. My parents provided me with a very good life. I am blessed to have parents that worked hard and were able to provide a great lifestyle for themselves and me as well. Three areas in which I do not have privilege are my age, ethnicity, and gender. Being in my young adult years it is possible that I will not be taken seriously. My age is associated with inexperience and naivety. As a result, my clients may be hesitant of my credentials, aptitudes, and competences to work with them as well as their children. Lastly, as an African American it is not uncommon to be viewed as uneducated or beneath those of a Caucasian ethnicity. This means that I have to work twice sometimes three times as hard than a Caucasian with the same educational background and status. As a woman it is difficult to get recognized for good work accomplishments. In a lot of professional fields men are viewed as superior to women. In addition, they are respected more, paid more, and are recognized more.

2. Evaluate how your own cultural identities or other factors may possibly influence you to have any biases in relation to others with different cultural identities.

I am an African American woman that was reared in a Christian home.

I grew up on Christian beliefs. Although I don’t judge or have a problem with someone that has had a child and is not married, I am biased against those that continue to have 2, 3,4+ children without being married, especially when there are 2, 3, 4+ fathers involved. This bias could possibly influence me in that it could cause me to prejudge without knowing or understanding the entire story. In addition, I do not believe that homosexual relationships are ok. This could possibly influence me to be bias for heterosexuals and bias against homosexuals. Lastly, I am a feminine female which can cause me to have a bias against males that are feminine or females that are masculine.

3. Analyze the implications your cultural identifications may have on your professional relationships.

Although I am twenty-six years old and consider myself to be an intelligent

adult others may not view me this way. My age could cause colleagues and clients to assume I am unequipped to be a psychology professional. As a result, my professional work may not be trusted or deemed accurate. While I do not have a developmental disability, I do have familiarity in working with children that do. As a child therapist it is essential that parents and caregivers trust you with their children. My experience would supply parents of children with special needs with some reassurance that I am capable of handling their child with the appropriate care and professionalism. As a Christian, working with children and families that are also of a Christian background would be easier. For religious families of Christianity God brings a source of comfort, peace, and joy amongst other feelings. The ability to encourage clients through their spirituality can really aid in their healing, especially for children who often are looking for something or someone to be that source of comfort, peace, and joy. On the other hand, for those of divergent religious beliefs I would be unable to connect with them on a spiritual level. My cultural identity as an African American may influence my professional

relationships with diverse types of clients and colleagues. For example, it would be challenging to work with a client or colleague with negative or racist feelings toward African Americans. It would be simpler to work with other African Americans. People tend to trust people that are like them as oppose to someone that is completely different. As a middle-class individual my professional appearance could potentially cause those of a lower-class socioeconomic status to be uncomfortable. It is important to make all clients feel comfortable with who they are working with in order to build trusting relationships. On the other hand, it would be arduous to work with persons from an upper-class status, mainly those that deem themselves as above and superior to everyone else. As a heterosexual Christian I do not believe in same sex relationships. However, I do not support those that choose to “gay bash” homosexual individuals. It would be tough to work with someone that chooses to bash others based on their sexuality. It would also be hard to work with individuals who believe that some stereotypic gender roles are solely for that gender, or that believes women as inferior to men. Women can do the same things as men, often times they do things better. It would be easier to work with someone that places men and women on an equal level playing field when they have the same amount of education, experience, and any other credentials they have obtained.

References

Adams, D., Handley, L., Simkiss, D., Walls, E., Jones, A., Knapp, M., Romeo, R., & Oliver, C. (2018). Service use and access in young children with an intellectual disability or global developmental delay: Associations with challenging behaviour. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 43(2), 232–241. https://doi-org.library.capella.edu/10.3109/13668250.2016.1238448

Forouzadeh, M., Kiani, M., & Bazmi, S. (2018). Professionalism and its role in the formation of medical professional identity. Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 32(1), 1–4. https://doi-org.library.capella.edu/10.14196/mjiri.32.130

Hays, P. A. (2008). Looking into the clinician's mirror: Cultural self-assessment. In P. A. Hays (Ed.), Addressing cultural complexities in practice: Assessment, diagnosis, and therapy (2nd ed., pp. 41–62). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Latina, S. V. (2010). Gender stereotypes in the contemporary humanities. Anthropology

& Archeology of Eurasia, 49(2), 66–75. https://doi-org.library.capella.edu/10.2753/AAE1061-1959490204

Schmidt, S. G. (2016). Recognizing potential barriers to setting and achieving effective

rehabilitation goals for patients with persistent pain. Physiotherapy Theory & Practice, 32(5), 415–426. https://doi-org.library.capella.edu/10.1080/09593985.2016.1194664

Torres, S. A., & DeCarlo Santiago, C. (2017). Culture and educational stress and

internalizing symptoms among latino adolescents: The role of ethnic identity. Journal of Educational & Psychological Consultation, 27(3), 344–366. https://doi-org.library.capella.edu/10.1080/10474412.2017.1301819

THIS IS A PARTIALLY COMPLETED EXAMPLE AND IS PROVIDED TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE THE TEMPLATE.
Cultural Group (according to the ADDRESSING model)	How You Identify	Implications for your work. Consider where you have privilege, and what groups might be easy or difficult to work with.
A. Age (and generational influences).	Middle age (40s).	I would have difficulty working with children and young adults (15–20). I realize I’m too verbal in my therapy approach, and appreciate clients who can have discussions involving complex concepts.
D. Disability (developmental).
D. Disability (acquired).
R. Religion and spiritual identity.
E. Ethnicity and racial identity.
S. Socioeconomic status.
S. Sexual orientation.	Gay	I know I have biases against individuals who follow a strict and literal interpretation of the scriptures.
I. Indigenous heritage.
N. National origin.
G. Gender.	Male	I would have problems working with individuals who follow strict social sex roles. (Only men can do men things, and only women can do women things). I find gender and social sex roles much more fluid.

Reference

Hays, P. A. (2008). Looking into the clinician's mirror: Cultural self-assessment. In P. A. Hays (Ed.), Addressing cultural complexities in practice: Assessment, diagnosis, and therapy (2nd ed., pp. 41–62). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.