Cultural Analysis Model

Section three of the DSM is separated into five sections. In the “Emerging Measures and Models” section, it includes tools and techniques to enhance the clinical decision-making process, understand the cultural context of mental disorders, and recognize emerging diagnoses for further study (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It also provides strategies to enhance clinical practice and new criteria to stimulate future research (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The “Assessment Measures” section includes scientific evidence favors dimensional concepts in the diagnosis of mental disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). the "Cultural Formulation" section is meant to inform about the importance of understanding the cultural …show more content…
Cultural formulation is assessed in different categories including the cultural identity of the individual, cultural conceptualizations of distress, psychosocial stressors and cultural features of vulnerability and resilience, cultural features of the relationship between the individual and the clinician, and overall cultural assessment (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The cultural identity of the individual category describes clients racial, ethnic, or cultural reference groups that may influence their relationships with others, access to resources, and developmental and current challenges, conflicts, or predicaments (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Cultural conceptualizations of distress refer to describing cultural development that influences how an individual experiences, understands, and communicates their symptoms or problems to others (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) . Psychosocial stressors and cultural features of vulnerability and resilience refer to identifying key stressors and supports in the social environment. It also looks at the role of religion, family, and other social networks in providing emotional, instrumental, and informational support (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Cultural features of the relationship between the individual and the clinician aim to identify differences in culture, language, and social status between an individual and their clinician that may cause difficulties in communication and influence diagnosis and treatment (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The cultural assessment category includes summarizeing the implications of the components of the cultural formulation (American Psychiatric Association,