Discussion of the Carter Family
Identify the characteristics and concerns of a multiracial family in terms of racial and cultural identity development models
Racial devaluation is one main characteristic that turns out to be an issue in many multiracial families. In these families, the children grow up showing prejudice to on side over the other, which could potentially affect the togetherness of the family (Soliz, Cronan, Bergquist, Nuru, & Rittenour, 2017). In the case of Carter’s family, James shows favor with the Black race, where he even believes his parents have no idea what it means to be black, including his mother, who is African American.
What are the most pertinent characteristics of the Carter Family and the members that you would have been working with in terms of racial and cultural identity development models?
The racial combination of Carter’s family is a white father and an African American mother. The most pertinent characteristics evident in this case include the family’s social capital and economic status. The research did previously determined that the socioeconomic status of multiracial families fell in between the average of the two parents in a minority of the households. In other incidences, it was determined that the families with black mother and white father had higher income compared to white mother-black father. Another characteristic of concern is the differences in the parents’ cultures, an aspect that has become recognized as a Marginal Man Hypothesis. Children born in these races face several disadvantages as they are said to lie on the margins of the two cultures without one’s direct preference.
What are the most pertinent concerns of the Carter Family and the members that you would have been working with in terms of racial and cultural identity development models?
My first concern would emanate from how the child is made aware of the disparity in terms of race, between the mother and the father. If communication was not built properly, James picked up one in school that would favor him. I would also be concerned about the willingness of the parents to find a middle ground despite the differences in race and culture.
Explain biopsychosocial characteristics and systemic dynamics (for example, gender, age, socioeconomic status) that are important to consider when working with a multiracial family.
The understanding of gender and racial combination plays a significant role in facilitating societal acceptance. This comes in the wake of increased cases of same-sex marriages in different races. The understanding of the interethnic, diverse sexual orientation, and the interracial differences of the parents would allow full functionality, enjoyable encounters, and a life devoid of any prejudice, oppression, or discrimination. It is also essential to understand the racial makeup of the parents and the age as it would affect the way the persons experience personal identity in development (Fujishiro et al., 2018). Comprehending age differences, the surrounding environment, and the chronological and developmental age affect how the persons identify development.
Which biopsychosocial characteristics are most important to take into account when working with a multiracial family?
Accordingly, I believe the gender identity would carry more importance when compared to others. Consequently, gender helps to define the role of each of the parents in the family. Next, culture would follow because each of the behaviors is modeled, and these, therefore, guide the execution of daily activities. Other biopsychosocial factors linked to the social domain, like social support and the family relationship, would be significant.
Which of these are the most important to consider during your work with the Carter Family, and why?
In consideration of Carter’s family, the culture would rank higher than others since James’s current challenges are based on behavior that emanates from cultural differences between the two races.
Which systemic dynamics (for example, gender, age, and socioeconomic status) are most important to consider when working with a multiracial family?
The socioeconomic status would be the most important since most of the way people behave in society is based on their perception of how people view them in society. Socioeconomic status also determines how people around see a person, and this goes a long way to shape the identity of an individual (Atkin & Yoo, 2019). Gender would also hold necessary since different races would define gender roles differently, which could easily obscure one’s quest to know who they are.
Which of these are the most important to consider during your work with the Carter Family, and why?
In consideration of Carter’s family, the socioeconomic status would be an essential consideration because James would find it comfortable associating with a particular bracket more than other students at school. He was able to find a specific social group and felt at home in their presence.
Assess the benefits and limitations of racial and cultural identity development models in counseling with diverse populations.
The model first helps determine the appropriate training focus in the multicultural competency and take care of the client (James). Racial identity development determines the client’s ability to reap maximum benefit from a particular intervention (Harris, Kumaran, Harris, Moen, & Visconti, 2019). Also, identity development is essential for the therapist and client to develop a therapeutic relationship that would increase the chances of a positive outcome. When the therapist is aware of the client’s stage of racial identity development, it enables movement towards integrative awareness.
On the other hand, in most cases, the therapists who demonstrate the commitment to being more competent culturally acquire a genuine desire to participate in self-exploration, which would raise awareness of the personal beliefs and biases channeled towards the minority groups.
What are the benefits of racial and cultural identity development models when working with the Carter family?
In carter’s family, there is a need first to create a therapeutic relationship between James and the therapist. This would reduce the existing tension and thus allow James to interact in a more calm and relaxed manner. This would then assure and ensure a better outcome from the interactions and a better understanding of what was going on.
To what degree do these models contribute to positive relationships or outcomes?
They are highly beneficial, for instance, a client who is not aware of who they are would not likely understand the need for therapy and thus, outcome. Better relationships with the therapist would lead to a better result, and strained one leads to poor outcomes.
What are the limitations of racial and cultural identity development models when working with the Carter family?
The model could, at times, make one to feel singled out and targeted. This is the same issue manifested by James, who believes his parents have no idea who he is. He does not feel free to carry on with his activities but rather feels bothered by being followed up all the time. It is also evident how he responds when asked to explain why he was taken in for the therapy session.
To what degree do these limitations impact the potential growth and outcomes of work with the Carter family?
If James would continue feeling targeted and lacks a proper understanding of the therapy, then it is unlikely he will benefit much from the intervention.
How might you overcome these limitations?
Family therapy would be ideal in this situation. James seems to have settled on the understanding that he is black, yet his father is white. It would be essential to have the whole family on the table then come to a common understanding.
Propose appropriate strategies for resolving conflict and promoting optimal wellness through the lens of a specific counseling specialization.
It is first essential for the therapist to ensure they tame the threatening behaviors from the client and talk directly about the underlying issues (Marshall, 2018). During the interaction, it is essential to maintain conversion by using as low tones as possible. It would also be crucial to conclude the therapy sessions with an agreed contract for subsequent sessions.
What are the most appropriate strategies for resolving conflict with regards to the Carter family?
There is a need to prevent an outburst from the word go since such an aspect could easily be seen from James’s conversation. James should also be brought to an understanding that he hails from biracial parenthood and is not necessarily black. Approaches that could be used include motivational interviewing, social support, stimulus control management, and rewards/contingency management.
Why are these strategies appropriate?
Motivational interviewing and stimulus control management would work well in the case of Carter’s family.
How will they help resolve conflict?
The strategies would first bring the family members together and unite them to fight towards a standard course instead of fighting each other.
How does your specific counseling specialization inform these strategies?
Motivational interviewing has been shown to discourage unruly and unconventional behaviors, and this would, therefore, help James to listen more to his parents rather than doing what pleases him. Stimulus control management would help James regulate the extent of influence of his peers on his life and instead have his own informed decision.
What are the most appropriate strategies for promoting optimal wellness with regards to the Carter family?
In the case of James, there would be a need for a psychosocial interview of wellness, and the client can be asked about their goals and priorities in life.
Why are these strategies appropriate?
The psychosocial interview helps to unearth any possible clinical diagnosis that would be responsible for the current presentation. The readiness of the client about their goals may provide information about their motivation.
How will they help promote wellness?
Assessment and determination of client psychosocial well-being of the client determine their interaction with the rest and therefore contribute to the overall state of well-being and performance.
How does your specific counseling specialization inform these strategies?
The psychosocial interview makes it easy to rule out other mental conditions that would contribute to psychosocial behaviors and influence among teenagers and adolescents like James.
References
Atkin, A. L., & Yoo, H. C. (2019, September 1). Familial racial-ethnic socialization of Multiracial American Youth: A systematic review of the literature with MultiCrit. Developmental Review, Vol. 53, p. 100869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2019.100869
Fujishiro, K., Needham, B. L., Landsbergis, P. A., Seeman, T., Jenny, N. S., & Roux, A. V. D. (2018). Selected occupational characteristics and change in leukocyte telomere length over 10 years: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). PLoS ONE, 13(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0204704
Harris, V. W., Kumaran, M., Harris, H. J., Moen, D., & Visconti, B. (2019). Assessing multicultural competence (knowledge and awareness) in study abroad experiences. Compare, 49(3), 430–452. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2017.1421901
Marshall, R. (2018). Counselor Educators’ Wellness Levels’ Impact on How They Promote Wellness. Doctoral Dissertations. Retrieved from https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/5058
Soliz, J., Cronan, S., Bergquist, G., Nuru, A. K., & Rittenour, C. E. (2017). Perceived Benefits and Challenges of a Multiethnic-Racial Identity: Insight From Adults With Mixed Heritage. Identity, 17(4), 267–281. https://doi.org/10.1080/15283488.2017.1379907