title: A careful balance: multinational perspectives on culture, gender, and power in marriage and family therapy practice.
abstract: In this study, we examined how marriage and family therapists from various countries and diverse cultural backgrounds address the intersection of gender, power, and culture in therapy. Twenty participants from 15 countries responded to an Internet survey that included several hypothetical, clinical vignettes not associated with any one particular culture or nationality. Participants selected a vignette based on its similarity to clinical situations they face in practice within their cultural contexts, and provided information about their conceptualizations of gender, culture, and power, along with treatment recommendations. We analyzed data using analytic induction and constant comparison methods. Results indicate the careful balance with which the participants work to engage clients in therapy, respect cultural values and practices, and promote equitable gender relationships.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Development, Marriage and Family Therapy Doctoral Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0515, USA. mkeeling@tv.edu
authors.forename: Margaret L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Keeling
authors.forename: Fred P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Piercy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024382:Professional Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires