Do general treatment guidelines for Asian American families have applications to specific ethnic groups? The case of culturally-competent therapy with Korean Americans.
To serve Korean American families effectively, marriage and family therapists need to develop a level of cultural competence. This content analysis of the relevant treatment literature was conducted to discover the most common expert recommendations for family therapy with Asian Americans and to examine their application to Korean Americans. Eleven specific guidelines were generated: Assess support systems, assess immigration history establish professional credibility, provide role induction, facilitate "saving face," accept somatic complaints, be present/problem focused, be directive, respect family structure, be nonconfrontational, and provide positive reframes. Empirical support (clinical and nonclinical research) and conceptual support for each guideline are discussed, and conclusions are reached regarding culturally competent therapy with Korean American families.
Department of Child Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, USA.
Elena Young-Kyong
EY
Kim
Roy A
RA
Bean
James M
JM
Harper
D000069:Acculturation; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards; D011361:Professional Competence; D014481:United States