6 slides required
re.bertyh.elpsfuben.t
samplework.pptxContemporary Issues
Team B
PSY/480 Clinical Psychology
Title Page
1
Contemporary Issues in Clinical Psychology
Changes in Family Structure
Divorce
Remarriage: step-parent, step-children and step-sibling(s)
Death: parent or sibling
Birth: new baby or grandchild
Cultural Diversity
Discrimination
Oppression
Stereotyping
When someone seeks out a psychologist for assistance in overcoming issues related to a change in their familial structure or because of racial or ethnic discrimination, the psychologist should be experienced in the particular challenges this patient is facing. Clinical psychology has had to develop new ways to treat these patients as previous strategies were not as beneficial as they could be. Clinical psychologists also needed to evolve as psychology did so that they have the knowledge and experience to assist patients in these particular situations.
2
Changes to Family Structure
Separation
Divorce
As time continues to go on, the American family is not what is once was. Over the last 50 years there has been a dramatic rise in divorce; the highest it has ever been in the U.S. Divorce affects all types of marriages, whether it a heterosexual couples, blended couples, and even homosexual couples. “This marks a shift away from the ideal of the companion marriage popularized in the early 1920’s to self-aspiration, enhanced freedom, and egalitarian relationships” (Castelloe, 2011). Since the 1960’s the rate of divorce and separation has risen because of the fact that “society has become more inclusive and women more financially independent, resulting in increased tension in marriages between individualization and what psychoanalyst Erik Erickson described as “generativity,” a concern for the welfare of others” (Castelloe, 2011).
3
Population Most Affected
Not one race, ethnicity, culture.
High Conflict
Financially Unstable
Children of Divorce
Divorce is not exactly privy to one specific culture or ethnicity; many people of all races become separated or divorced. Since 1970, the rate of divorce, at 72%, has declined to 59% (Friedman, n.d.). Jeffrey Drew conducted a study in 2009 on couples who argued about finances. He concluded that couples who argued about finances more than once a week were more than 30% likely to get divorced than couples who argue about it only a few times a month. “According to Drew, couples who disagree about money less than once per month run a 30-40% increase in the risk of divorce” (Divorce Source, 1996). The rate of divorce ultimately increases as the arguments become more often, several times a week, daily; the risk increases 125% to 160% (Divorce Source, 1996). It is believed that children who come from a separated family or divorced family are going to be two times more likely to get divorced than a child whose parents remained together (Castelloe, 2011).
4
Family Structure changes and its effect on Psychology
Children
Men
Women
Psychology is greatly effected by changes in family structure. Each individual who is going through a divorce, whether it the husband, wife, or child(ren) all suffer differently. Much of the time children are getting the brunt of what is going on; they feel as though no one cares about how they are feeling because typically the “adults bring unresolved childhood conflicts into parenting and romance, reenacting their own childhood dramas and sometimes putting their own needs for gratification before that of their kids” (Castelloe, 2011). A child goes through serious emotional turbulence while watching his or her parents go through a divorce; they feel many different emotions such as loss, rage, and sadness (Castelloe, 2011). There are three factors that come into play with children’s psychological reactions to the divorce of their parents; “ (1) the quality of their relationship with each of their parents before separation, (2) the intensity and duration of their parents before the separation, (3) the parents’ ability to focus on the needs of children in their divorce” (O’Connell Corcoran, 1997). Typically children who are faced with an ugly divorce and do not cope well even with a mutual divorce may end up needing some kind of counseling. Some children turn to drugs when dealing with this and may ultimately end up in a mental hospital (Castelloe, 2011). When it comes to the men going through a divorce, their mental and physical state can be severely affected. “The researchers found that divorced men are more likely to partake in risky activities such as abusing alcohol and drugs, and divorced or separated men have a suicide rate that is 39% higher than that of married men” (Huff Post, 2013). Depression also happens to be more common in men who are divorced than that of men who are maried “and divorced men undergo psychiatric care 10 times more often than married men do” (Huff Post, 2013). Depending whether or not the woman is the one who initiated the divorce, will often result in how she is affected by the divorce. “After divorce, women experience less stress and better adjustment in general than do men” (O’Connell Corcoran, 1997).
5
Potential Changes Regarding Treatment
Families are more diverse now than they used to be.
Family units are not always mom, dad, and kids.
Treatment for families can vary depending on the problems
What treatment works for one family member may not work for another
Communication is key to getting families to open up and solve their problems in a healthy way.
Changes are happening more and more now within the dynamics of family. The father used to be the bread winner and now mothers work outside the home more and more and many times families consist of same sex parents, or relatives such as grandparents, raising children. If tragedy happens in a family most of the time all immediate family members are affected by it and deal with it in different ways. Some deal with problems by talking, and others by shutting themselves off from everyone. Some turn to the wrong people for help and get in trouble. Because of lack of communication, people within the family can assume a=wrong things about what other family members are thinking or feeling. A psychologist understands these things and tries to do his or her best to open up the lines of communication between family members and get to the root of the stressors or problems (Lee, C.M. 2010). Counseling can use behavioral and cognitive treatments combined with some psychodynamic ones to get people to open up. Role playing can be used as well as drawing how one feels and talking about it. Changing habits and routines to help in relational problems within the family can also help (Plante, T.G. 2011).
.
6
Potential Changes in the Issue
Many times people are going through a crisis on their own and are hesitant to share it with others in the family.
People all have the basic human need to feel loved and accepted by others and when this is not happening problems can develop.
Change can be challenging, threatening, can have secondary gains, and can have interference form others.
Sometimes what seems to be the problem really has underlying issues of another problem.
Changing habits even if they are bad ones can be hard for anyone because it means a change in routine. A family member may not like being in public places and may have trouble going out in public. As a result other family members may be used to doing many things for this person. If this person gets help for this problem and gets better other family members may feel that they are not wanted. Many times changing habits that have been developed even if they are not good ones, is hard to do because humans are creatures of habit. If parents are going through a divorce chances are that they are not being their best as a parent while going through the divorce. This can have a negative affect on the children and they can become withdrawn. Many times people also have suppressed memories that are causing them to behave in the way they do. Some have things that have happened to them in the past that causes an unwanted or unwelcome change in behavior that causes waves or a ripple affect in the family (Lee, C.M. 2010). The goal of counseling is to find out what the underlying stressors are and open the liner of communication. It is less about giving advise and more about listening.
7
Diversity Issues
Discrimination
Oppression
Stereotyping
Discrimination is one issue that largely affects the diverse population. People have been subjects of racial profiling, discrimination, oppression, or stereotyping based on different factors including race, ethnicity, gender, age, disabilities, socioeconomic status, and sexual preferences.
The most common issues in Psychology regarding diversity issues include sexual orientation, ethnicity, and race. People have been marginalized and oppressed based on their statuses, races, gender, and sexual orientations.
Oppression, discrimination, and stereotyping is traumatic for people. Addressing these issues in a psychologist’s office can be destabilizing to the patient, and often it should be addressed with the patient is ready and feels comfortable (McClintock Greenberg, 2010). Many minorities are less likely to receive services than individuals of white ethnicity, and receive a lower quality of care in the mental health field according to a report from the Surgeon General (McClintock Greenberg).
8
Population Effected
College Campuses
Individuals with Traditional Views
Individuals with Non-Traditional Views
Largely Diverse Neighborhoods
People of Color, non-white Ethnicity
LBGT Community
Diversity affects different populations in different manners. There are positives and negatives to a diverse population. Individuals of color, the Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Gay, Transgender (LGBT) community, and individuals of non-white ethnic heritage add to the diversity of the United States (Haug, 2013).
Diversity holds some negativity as one author suggests. In communities that have the most diverse population, people do not trust their neighbors as much as communities that were less diverse. In addition, the more diverse the community, the fewer people volunteer, vote, help charity, and complete community projects (Haug, 2013). College campuses have shouting matches because people do not know how they should disagree with views that are different. Individuals that have more traditional views on various topics including marriage may be viewed as homophobic or bigots when they may not be. Whereas some individuals think that homosexual or bisexual individuals need cured, or that they are going to Hell. Everyone has a right to their religious freedoms and opinions.
Individuals of white ethnicity are also affected by diversity because they may feel that no matter what they say they are viewed differently by those of non-white ethnicity. For example, an African American woman may fear white men because she was abused and the victim of racial slurs from white men. The woman could go to a psychologist and the psychologist is a white man. She may not be able to open up to him and he may not be able to help her because of her fear. He is affected because he is a well-intended man, who only has the concern to help her get well.
9
The effects on Psychology
Diversity
Cultural Competency
Multiculturalism
The quality of care administered to individuals of ethnic minority groups have provoked the cultural competency practices of the mental health field to improve. Diversity, cultural competency, and multiculturalism are important topics in the mental health field (Sue, Zane, Nagayama Hall, & Berger, 2009). Cultural competency is greatly advocated from several organizations in addition to the State and Federal levels (Sue, Zane, Nagayama Hall, & Berger). The need for more competent professionals arose out of the need to meet the needs of a growing diverse culture. Multicultural individuals have different needs that must be met and educating health care professionals of the disparities between different ethnicities and racial groups helps tremendously. Some individuals were unable to receive health and mental care because it was unavailable to them. Individuals of ethnic minorities have been reported to underuse services that may be offered and to terminate treatment prematurely (Sue, Zane, Nagayama Hall, & Berger). There are also disparities that exist including quality and access to mental health assistance.
10
Potential Challenges in Treatment
Religious beliefs could pose challenges with treatment
Undetected symptoms won’t be treated, possibly ignored
Lack of institutions available to provide needed services
Families lacking resources which could provide quality of health
Language barriers could contribute to in effective system processes
Psychologists report limitations on psychological assessment services and problems gaining authorizations and reimbursement for these services from third-party payers. Documentation and categorization are available to support these findings. Some cultures still practice religious healing practices, while it may be observed as cruel. If such a case is presented in the medical environment; it must be acknowledged and followed as per the wishes of the patient’s authorization. As we continue to flourish in the technological world, some processes may have to take a step back. Evolution isn’t always conductive in all aspects of Mother Nature and other unknown contributing factors. We must remember that when dealing with outside factors, some of the details, information, could alter vital information in regards to survey results. Psychological assessment and or some difficulties that may come about during pre-authorization processes.
11
Potential Changes in the Issue
Evolution brings about changes in its environments
Politics can bring about changes in a specific arena
Lack in academics can hinder positive changes
Cultural beliefs can be embraced and shared with others
As species continue to populate they will also experience evolution. As these changes occur, these new species will have the benefit of old and new genetics at their disposal. Some of us may not agree with Mother Nature’s choices, but she is amazing when she allows us to observe her in her wonder. We can’t assume that when a special breed of a species reveals itself, this is not to be taken for granted. We need to understand how this new gene pool will affect the ecology, the basis of some framework and its history. We always need to know where we come from so we can have a basis on which to draw and make a formative decision. At times integrating different components may be challenging at first until those involved understand the truth for the new connection.
12
As society and its people change, the strategies and treatments used to help them must change, as well. Clinical psychologists face a multitude of challenges when working with patients who are seeking treatment for an issue stemming from a change in their family structure or facing discrimination or stereotyping in their school or workplace and as more cases are presented, more research and studies are needed to ensure that the best treatments and strategies are being offered to the patient. Being culturally sensitive has always been a trait for psychologists to have, but as society continues to grow into a mix of every culture, religion and ethnic background, psychologists must be aware of these differences and develop a treatment plan accordingly. Families are not always the biological parents and children anymore, they are frequently made up of step-parents and step-siblings which creates a specific stress factor that psychologists must understand and know how to treat. As with any other medical specialty, psychology must grow and evolve along with society in order to provide patients with the best possible treatment.
13
References
Castelloe, M, PH.D. (2011). Changes in the American Family. Psychology Today. Retrieved on August 1, 2014, from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-me-in-we/201104/changes-in-the-american-family
Divorce Source. (1996). U.S. Divorce Rates and Statistics. Divorce Source. Retrieved on August 1, 2014, from: http://www.divorcesource.com/ds/main/u-s-divorce-rates-and-statistics-1037.shtml
Friedman, M. (n.d.). Marriage and Divorce Statistics Retrieved on August 1, 2014, from: http://www.meninmarriage.com/article05.htm
Haug, J., (2013) The ‘Diversity’ Movement: Defeating Itself, Destroying Society. Retrieved from: http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/01/the_diversity_movement_defeating_itself_destroying_society.html
Huff Post. (2013). Divorce Can have Serious Impact on Men’s Health, New Research Finds. Huff Post Divorce. Retrieved on August 1, 2014, from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/30/mens-health-divorce_n_4018432.html
Lee, C.M. (2010).Families matter: Psychology of the family and the family of psychology. Canadian Psychology, 51(1), 1-16. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/607300967
McClintock Greenberg, T., (2010). What Is Diversity in Psychology? 21st Century Aging. Retrieved from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/21st-century-aging/201001/what-is-diversity-in-psychology
O’Connell Corcoran, K. (1997). Psychological and Emotional Aspets of Divorce. Mediators & Everything Mediation. Retrieved on August 1, 2014, from: http://www.mediate.com/articles/psych.cfm#effects
Sue, S., Zane, N., Nagayama Hall, G. C., and Berger, L. K., (2009). The Case for Cultural Competency in Psychotherapeutic Interventions. DOI: 10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163651
