What is cultural competence and how do we as practitioners work towards having it?
Cultural competence has recently become a buzzword across many fields, including behavior analysis—but it’s not a new concept. The BACB’s ethical code clearly states that behavior analysts must practice cultural sensitivity and understand the diverse backgrounds of the clients we serve.
Despite its importance, cultural competence is not currently a required part of our coursework, leaving many without formal training on cultural issues. To provide the highest quality care, we must actively seek to understand and acknowledge the role of culture—both in our clients and in ourselves.
By fostering cultural awareness, we can deliver more effective, respectful, and inclusive services.
Understanding Culture and Its Impact
- Culture is a complex system of shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors that shape how individuals interact with the world around them. In behavior-analytic terms, culture can be viewed as a set of contingencies of reinforcement that influence our behavior from birth. These cultural influences permeate every aspect of our lives, affecting:
- What behaviors does culture impact? ALL OF THEM! Almost all of our operant behavior is affected by our culture.
- Social interactions and communication styles
- Language use and interpretation
- Problem-solving approaches
- Decision-making processes
- Gender roles and expectations
- Clothing choices and personal presentation
- Nonverbal communication
- Parenting practices
- Values, beliefs, and religious practices
Understanding the pervasive nature of culture is crucial for ABA practitioners, as it directly impacts the effectiveness and appropriateness of our interventions.
From Cultural Competence to Cultural Humility
While the term “cultural competence” is widely used, it’s essential to recognize that cultural understanding is an ongoing journey rather than a destination. Three related concepts are often discussed in professional settings:
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Cultural Competence: A set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that enable effective work in cross-cultural situations.
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Cultural Awareness: The ability to identify reinforcement and punishment contingencies established by various social groups.
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Cultural Humility: An interpersonal stance that is other-oriented and reflects a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and learning about cultural differences.
Of these, cultural humility may be the most appropriate framework for ABA practitioners. It acknowledges that cultural learning is an ongoing process, requiring continuous education and practice. (Wright, 2019)
Cultivating Cultural Humility in ABA Practice
To develop cultural humility and enhance our cultural competence, ABA professionals can:
Engage in Self-Reflection and Awareness
- Identify and label personal biases
- Use self-assessment tools or implicit bias tests
- Reflect on how biases might affect client relationships and treatment
- Discuss cultural issues with colleagues
- Explore therapeutic awareness tools like ACT or mindfulness
Implement Self-Monitoring and Data Collection
- Define culturally aware behaviors and set improvement goals
- Collect data on these behaviors
- Collaborate with colleagues for accountability
Adapt Practice Considerations
- Make efforts to understand clients’ cultural norms
- Recognize behavior patterns that may be culturally appropriate rather than problematic
- Consider language used in assessments and documents
- Involve families and community members in the therapeutic process
Commit to Continuous Learning
- Read books and research on cultural competence in ABA
- Attend cultural competency training sessions
- Engage with research on cultural humility and compassionate care in behavior analysis
The Benefits of Cultural Humility in ABA
Embracing cultural humility in ABA practice offers numerous benefits:
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Enhanced Rapport and Communication: Understanding cultural nuances improves trust and engagement with clients and their families.
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Reduced Bias and Stereotyping: Practitioners can approach each client with an open mind, free from preconceived notions.
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Improved Skill Generalization: Interventions that consider cultural context are more likely to generalize across settings.
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Ethical Practice: Cultural humility aligns with ethical guidelines, promoting respect and inclusivity.
Conclusion
As ABA professionals, we must recognize that cultural competence is not a checkbox to be ticked, but a continuous journey of learning and growth. By embracing cultural humility, we can provide more effective, respectful, and ethical care to our diverse clientele. This approach not only enhances our practice but also contributes to a more inclusive and understanding field of behavior analysis.
Remember, cultural humility is an ongoing process. Stay curious, remain open to learning, and consistently reflect on your practices to ensure you’re providing the best possible care to all clients, regardless of their cultural background. If you have questions about ABA therapy, contact us.
Resources:
Self-assessment tools:
- How Do You Relate to Various Groups of People in Society?
- Diversity Self-Assessment
- Natural Center for Cultural Competence – Self Assessments
- Tools for Assessing Cultural Competence
Articles:
- Cultural Humility in the Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Developing the Cultural Awareness Skills of Behavior Analysts
- Multicultural Issues in Autism
Ravindran, N., & Myers, B. J. (2012). Cultural influences on perceptions of health, illness, and disability: A review and focus on autism. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 21(2), 311-319.
