Key terms
acculturation
The process of learning the beliefs and behaviors of a dominant culture and assuming one of the characteristics, does occur
cultural diversity
include family organization, language, personal space, touching, eye contact, gestures, health care beliefs, spirituality, and religion.
holistic care
That is, care that provides for the well-being of the whole person and meets not only physical needs, but also social, emotional, and mental needs.
personal space
describes the distance people require to feel comfortable while interacting with others.
sensitivity
the ability to recognize and appreciate the personal characteristics of others, is essential in health care.
agnostic
an individual who believes that the existence of God cannot be proved or disproved.
culture
defined as the values, beliefs, attitudes, languages, symbols, rituals, behaviors, and customs unique to a particular group of people and passed from one generation to the next. It is often defined as a set of rules
matriarchal
The mother or the oldest female is the authority figure
polytheist
Worship and believe in many gods
spiritually
defined as the beliefs individuals have about themselves, their connection with others, and their relationship with a higher power
atheist
A person who does not believe in any deity
ethnicity
classification of people based on national origin and/or culture.
monotheist
believe in the existence of one God, a characteristic of Judaism, Christianity, and the Islamic religion.
prejudice
A strong feeling or belief about a person or subject that is formed without reviewing facts or information
stereotyping
occurs when an assumption is made that everyone in a particular group is the same. A stereotype ignores individual characteristics and "labels" an individual
bias
a preference that inhibits impartial judgment.
ethnocentric
classification of people based on national origin and/or culture.
nuclear family
Usually consists of a mother, father, and children
race
a classification of people based on physical or biological characteristics such as the color of skin, hair, and eyes; facial features, blood type, and bone structure.
transcultural health care
care based on the cultural beliefs, emotional needs, spiritual feelings, and physical needs of a person, can be used to describe this method of holistic care.
cultural assimilation
Requires the newly arrived cultural group alter unique beliefs and behaviors nd adopt the way of the dominant culture
extended family
Includes the nuclear family plus grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins
patriarchal
The father or the oldest male is the authority figure
religion
may be an inherent part of every ethnic or cultural group.