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Broad Definitions of Culture in the Field of Multicultural Psychology

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Perspectives on the Intersection of Multiculturalism and Positive Psychology

Part of the book series: Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology ((CAPP,volume 7))

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of a broad definition of culture, and discusses the dynamic and fluid nature of culture. Past theoretical models conceptualized human behavior and functioning from a deficit viewpoint and failed to address culture. Current frameworks not only focus on a balance between deficient and optimal functioning, but also are culturally responsive. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own cultural influences and multiple cultural identities, as well as those of the other individuals with whom they interact. Models of integrating multicultural thinking are discussed. We focus on Hays’ (2008) ADDRESSING framework and integrate it with the four-front approach (Wright and Lopez 2009) as a model for reflecting upon the complexity of human experience.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northcentral University, Living Healthy Solutions, Prescott Valley, AZ, USA

    Heather N. Rasmussen Ph.D.

  2. Living Healthy Solutions, 1045 Stonecreek Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66049, USA

    Heather N. Rasmussen Ph.D.

  3. Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center, Leavenworth, KS, USA

    Lea Lavish Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Heather N. Rasmussen Ph.D.
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  2. Lea Lavish Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Heather N. Rasmussen Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology & Child Development, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA

    Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti

  2. Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

    Lisa M. Edwards

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Rasmussen, H.N., Lavish, L. (2014). Broad Definitions of Culture in the Field of Multicultural Psychology. In: Teramoto Pedrotti, J., Edwards, L. (eds) Perspectives on the Intersection of Multiculturalism and Positive Psychology. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 7. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8654-6_2

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