Multiculturalism as a Force in Counseling Clients with HIV-Related Concerns

Abstract

Multiculturalism has been described as a 'fourth force " in understanding human behavior This perspective recognizes the importance of cultural variables, such as gender and ethnicity, in all clinical work. A multicultural perspective is particularly important in understanding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease because acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic has been defined by cultural variables. This is so both in terms of the transmission of the virus and in the psychosocial issues that have emerged. The purpose of this article is threefold First, an existing model for assessing and counseling clients with HIV-related concerns is presented with an emphasis on how an increased focus on multicultural issues might enhance this model. This is supported by an overview of the literature on HIV from a multicultural perspective. Next, clinical cases are presented to show how counseling interventions might be enhanced by recognizing multicultural issues. Finally, an examination of institutional responses to HIV-related multicultural issues is presented