PSYCH650 Psychopathology Wk 6 - Summative Assessment- Clinical and Sociocultural Appraisal of Mental

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1 Week 6 - Summative Assessment: Clinical and Sociocultural Appraisal of Mental Disorders Valencia Diane Walker University of Phoenix PSYCH/650 Instructor Katia Araujo, Psy.D. February 20, 2024

2 Clinical and Sociocultural Appraisal of Mental Disorders This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the sociocultural perspective in the clinical evaluation and treatment of mental disorders, underscoring its importance in comprehending and addressing diverse cultural and social norms (ABCT, 2021). The study delves into a clinical case involving a female St. Vincent and Grenadines refugee living in Canada, examining specific sociocultural factors contributing to symptoms of depression and anxiety. The therapist's approach, employing a 12-week individual cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) intervention with a strong focus on cultural sensitivity, is detailed to illustrate the application of sociocultural considerations in the therapeutic process (Faber & Lee, 2020; Wang & Chen, 2022; Hynie, 2018). The sociocultural perspective in mental health recognizes the influence of cultural and social norms on an individual's symptoms and advocates for customized treatments (ABCT, 2021). This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of sociocultural factors and their role in a specific clinical case involving a refugee facing depression and anxiety. Sociocultural Factors in the Clinical Case: The client, a St. Vincent and Grenadines refugee in Canada, confronted many sociocultural challenges. These challenges included post-migration living conditions in camps, discrimination, low socioeconomic status, language barriers, and a history of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual abuse (Faber & Lee, 2020; Bambra et al., 2009; Hynie, 2018; Porter & Haslam, 2005). Each of these factors significantly contributed to the client's symptoms of anxiety and depression. The client, a St. Vincent and Grenadines refugee living in Canada, grappled with a multitude of sociocultural challenges that are intricately woven into the fabric of her mental health struggles. Each challenge, a thread in the complex tapestry of her experiences,

3 significantly contributed to the manifestation of symptoms interlinked with anxiety and depression (Faber & Lee, 2020; Bambra et al., 2009; Hynie, 2018; Porter & Haslam, 2005). Sociocultural Factors in the Clinical Case: Unveiling the Layers of Complexity: The client, hailing from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, found herself in the challenging landscape of Canada, confronting an intricate web of sociocultural challenges that intricately wove into the fabric of her mental health struggles. Each challenge represented a thread in the complex tapestry of her experiences, significantly contributing to the manifestation of symptoms interlinked with anxiety and depression (Faber & Lee, 2020; Bambra et al., 2009; Hynie, 2018; Porter & Haslam, 2005). Post-Migration Living Conditions: Navigating New Realities: The transition from the demanding living conditions in refugee camps to the unfamiliar surroundings of Canada marked a crucial phase in the client's journey. The stark contrast between past and present living conditions introduced a unique set of stressors. While the prospect of safety and a fresh start was present, the adjustment to a new societal framework, cultural norms, and unfamiliar expectations imposed additional psychological burdens. The dissonance between her past and current living conditions was pivotal in shaping the client's perception of reality, contributing to a profound sense of dislocation and unease (Hynie, 2018). Discrimination: The Weight of Isolation: Regrettably, discrimination is an all-too-common experience for refugees, and the client was not immune to its impact. Whether overt or subtle, discrimination left an indelible mark on

4 her mental well-being, fostering a sense of isolation, hopelessness, and diminished self-worth. These encounters with discrimination likely intensified the challenges of integration into Canadian society, exacerbating feelings of anxiety and depression and creating a pervasive sense of alienation (Bambra et al., 2009). Low Socioeconomic Status: The Struggle for Stability: A precarious socioeconomic status added another layer to the client's sociocultural challenges. Economic instability often translates into limited access to resources and opportunities and an increased vulnerability to additional stressors. Financial constraints may have impeded the client's ability to secure stable housing, access quality healthcare, and participate fully in the community. The resultant strain on her daily life further fueled her mental health struggles, creating a cyclical dynamic that compounded the challenges she faced (Porter & Haslam, 2005). Language Barriers: A Communication Challenge: Navigating a new linguistic landscape proved to be a formidable task for the client. Language barriers became a significant obstacle in her resettlement journey, hindering effective communication and impeding her ability to seek support. The frustration and powerlessness stemming from the inability to express herself and fully engage in the therapeutic process contributed to a heightened sense of isolation and further fueled the flames of her anxiety and depression (Hynie, 2018). History of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Abuse: A Pervasive Trauma: Arguably, one of the most profound sociocultural factors shaping the client's mental health was her history of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual abuse. These traumatic

5 experiences, deeply rooted in sociocultural dynamics, cast a long shadow over her psychological well-being. The pervasive impact of trauma, especially when coupled with the stressors of displacement and acculturation, significantly heightened the risk of developing mental health disorders, creating a complex tapestry of anguish and despair (Faber & Lee, 2020). Understanding the intricate interplay of these sociocultural factors is paramount for comprehending the client's holistic experience. It forms the foundation for a tailored and culturally sensitive therapeutic approach, acknowledging the interconnected nature of her challenges and empowering her to navigate the complexities of her sociocultural context as an integral part of her healing journey. This nuanced understanding serves as a compass for therapists, guiding them toward empathy, resilience, and effective intervention strategies for individuals confronting similar sociocultural challenges. Post-Migration Living Conditions: The transition from the challenging living conditions in refugee camps to a new environment in Canada presented a unique set of stressors for the client. While the prospect of safety and a fresh start was undoubtedly present, adjusting to unfamiliar societal norms, cultural practices, and expectations imposed additional psychological burdens. The dissonance between past and present living conditions played a crucial role in shaping the client's perception of her current reality and contributed to a sense of dislocation and unease (Hynie, 2018). Discrimination: The experience of discrimination, unfortunately not uncommon for many refugees, further compounded the client's struggles. Discrimination, whether overt or subtle, can have profound effects on mental health, fostering a sense of isolation, hopelessness, and a diminished sense of self-worth. The client's encounters with discrimination likely amplified the challenges

6 she faced in integrating into Canadian society, intensifying feelings of anxiety and depression (Bambra et al., 2009). Low Socioeconomic Status: A precarious socioeconomic status added another layer to the client's sociocultural challenges. Economic instability often translates into limited access to resources, opportunities and a heightened vulnerability to additional stressors. Financial constraints could have impeded the client's ability to secure stable housing, access quality healthcare, and participate fully in the community, further fueling her mental health struggles (Porter & Haslam, 2005). Language Barriers: Navigating a new linguistic landscape can be a formidable task, and for the client, language barriers became yet another obstacle in her resettlement journey. The inability to effectively communicate may have hindered her ability to seek support, articulate her emotions, and fully engage in the therapeutic process. Language barriers not only isolated the client from potential sources of assistance but also contributed to frustration and powerlessness (Hynie, 2018). History of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Abuse: Perhaps one of the most profound sociocultural factors influencing the client's mental health was her history of gender-based violence and sexual abuse. These traumatic experiences, deeply rooted in sociocultural dynamics, left an indelible mark on her psychological well-being. The pervasive impact of trauma, especially when coupled with displacement and acculturation stress, can significantly heighten the risk of developing mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression (Faber & Lee, 2020).

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