Health care core Curriculum HCCC 1206: Respecting client & staff diversity Lesson #1 personal belief system

Dede Carr, BS, LDAKaren Neu, MSN, CNE, CNPHealthcare core CurriculumRespecting client & staff diversitypersonal belief system1U.S. Department of Labor GrantThis workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labors Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use, by and organization and/or personal use by an individual or non-commercial purposes, is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.

2Personal Belief SystemCompetency:1. Describe ones personal belief systemDiscuss the role of culture in developing a belief systemExplain what is meant by a belief systemIdentify your personal belief system

3Belief SystemFrom the moment we are born, we begin developing a belief system. We all live our lives under a belief system but not many of us are aware of our belief system. We tend to take things for granted and just assume everything will work out for the good.In the next few slides the components of a belief system will be explored and then you will be asked to identify your own belief system.

4Belief SystemA persons belief system is heavily influenced by their culture and values passed from generation to generation. Culture is learned from significant people in ones life & as a one grows up, one internalizes the values and beliefs of ones culture.So. ones culture plays a significant role as one is developing a belief system.It is our beliefs that guide our behaviors, communication, & lifestyle.Some of the things included in a persons belief system are ones religious beliefs, political beliefs, and ethical beliefs. Beliefs guide the choices that a person makes and the how a person lives with those choices.(Kelly, p. 125)

5Cultural ValuesBehaviors & PracticesCommunication ProcessMethods of Perceiving, Judging, Organizing Life (Kelly, p. 125)

Components of a Belief System6Cultural ValuesBelief System Components7Belief System Components: CultureA persons belief system is comprised of their cultural values. A person does not have control over their gender, race, age or which family they were born into, however these attributes play a critical part in a persons belief system.For example, a man may believe that he should get paid more than a woman because he is the head of the household. Another example: The youngest child in the family may have a more lenient curfew because mom and dad have eased up over the years. Their belief system has shifted.Ones belief system does, however, determine ones political affiliation, religious/spiritual practices, and profession, just to name a few. (New World Encyclopedia)

8Belief Systems Component:Cultural Values9A. Cultural Values-CultureCulture is a set of learned values, beliefs, customs, & practices that are shared by a group & are passed from one generation to another. (Kelly, p. 124) Values are personal beliefs about the worth of an object, an idea, a custom, or an attitude. (Kockrow & Christensen. p. 28)Customs are habits, behaviors, or ways of acting (practices) established, expected, & passed down through generations by family or society. (Kockrow & Christensen. p. 28)Belief System Components: CultureA. Cultural Values Values that support the belief & behaviors that are accepted within each culture pertain to:AgeRaceGender identity & rolesFamily & amount of interaction between younger & older generationsDialect/language spokenReligion/spiritualitySocioeconomic backgroundGeographic location of country of origin or current residenceTime orientation (Kelly, p. 124-125)

10Common Characteristics of CulturesCulture is learned from birth through language & socialization (the process of being raised within a culture & acquiring the characteristics of that group) (Berman et al., p. 316). Behaviors, values, attitudes, & beliefs are learned within the cultural family.(Kelly, p. 125)Culture is dynamic & ever-changing, but it remains stable. Language, traditions, & norms of customs may act as stabilizers for a culture. (Kelly, p. 125)Norms can be defined as attitudes and behaviors common to members of a particular group, or what they believe is normal. (Koala Consulting & Training)

11Common Characteristics of CulturesAll members of the same cultural group share the patterns that are present in every culture. They include communication, means of economic & physical survival, transportation systems, family systems, social customs & mores, & religious systems. Mores are accepted traditional customs, moral attitudes, or members of a particular social group. (Kelly, p. 125)Culture is an adaptation to specific conditions in a specific location, such as the availability of natural resources. When removed from that location, customs, continue even when no longer in the new setting. (Kelly, p. 125)

12Belief System Components: Cultural Values13A. Cultural Values-Time The measurement of time can have different meanings in various culturesThe United States & Northern European cultures regard being on time for appointments as a high priority & expectations that all individuals will follow this pattern. Japanese Americans are generally prompt & adhere to fixed schedules, especially when meeting someone of high regard.Many other cultures feel that other concerns are more important.Eastern cultures including Chinese, East Indian Hindu, Filipino, & Korean view schedules & time as being much more flexible.(Kelly, p. 129)Belief System Components: Cultural Values14A. Cultural Values-Time Some Asians spend time getting to know someone & may view abrupt endings to conversations as rude.Mexican-Americans may be late for an appointment because they are more concerned with a current activity than in going to a previously planned meeting. This is known as elasticity & implies that future-oriented activities can be recovered but present-orientated activities cannot. [When a patient is late for an appointment, fails to come at all, or does not follow a therapeutic schedules, the healthcare worker who does not understand these cultural differences may be angry.] (Kelly, p. 129)Belief System Components: Cultural Values15A. Cultural Values-Time Timeliness among healthcare workers varies & conflicts can arise when a healthcare worker is always late for work. It is important to discuss reasons for this, rather than to assume the person does not care about the job. If it is due to a cultural belief, the health care staff involved need to develop a strategy to solve the problem. (Kelly, p. 129)Belief System Components: Cultural Values16A. Cultural Values-Time OrientationPerception of time (time orientation) can be future oriented or present orientedMany people in the United States are future oriented; African American, Hispanic, & American Indian tend to be present oriented.If a pregnant woman is a member of the present-oriented culture she may miss an appointment because of a family need that is current. For example, if an older child needs a ride home from school, the mother may skip a doctors appointment to take care of the older child. She sees the present need as much more urgent than keeping an appointment related to an event that is several months away. It is often difficult to encourage a patient with the present-oriented belief system to follow through on treatment for a chronic illness. The cost of a medication for high blood pressure may be viewed as an optional expense to prevent future problems. Paying rent or buying food for the family is a current need that takes precedence. (Kelly, p.129)Belief System Components: Cultural Values17A. Cultural Values-Social Organization Individuals view themselves as part of a particular social group; they may describe themselves as African-American or Black, Hispanic, German-American, Irish Catholic, or Texan.These descriptions vary greatly so it is important to understand how the person sees herself or himself.(Kelly, p. 130)

Belief System Components: Cultural Values18A. Cultural Values-Social OrganizationWithin a culture, there are varying structures. Some cultures are patriarchal in which men make most of the decisions (usually the oldest).In a matriarchal culture, women may make the decisions about healthcare, provide the care, & discipline the children.It is important to determine this structure in a healthcare setting. For example, if a patient is a member of a patriarchal society, the family may not make a decision about healthcare until the oldest man can be consulted.In a matriarchal society, the family may expect the women to give care to a family member in the hospital. (Kelly, p. 130)Belief System Components: Cultural Values19A. Cultural Values-Social Organization-FamilyThe description of family (types/structure) may vary among cultures: nuclear, extended, single-parent, blended, etc.Some of the family structures are based on biological relationships. Others are based on meeting basic needs of the family by forming a group of unrelated individuals. (Kelly, p. 130)Intergenerational support & patterns of living arrangements are related to cultural background. For example, traditional Chinese, African-American, Japanese, & Hispanic persons are more likely to live in extended family households than are their white counterparts. (Potter & Perry, p. 131)A common mistake for healthcare workers is to assume that every family is a traditional nuclear family. Its more important to know whom the patient depends on for comfort & decision-making & how the patient describes family. (Kelly, p. 130)Belief System Components: Cultural Values20A. Cultural Values-Social Organization-FamilyCultural values determine communication within the family group, the norm for family size, & the roles of specific family members.In some families, the man may be the provider & decision-maker & in some families he is not. The partner may need to consult the man before making decisions about her or their childrens medical treatmentIn matriarchal families, the mother or grandmother is the leader of the family & usually the decision-maker.(Kelly, p. 130)Belief System Components: Cultural Values21A. Cultural Values-Social Organization-Family PatternsValue placed on children & elders within society are culturally derived. In some cultures children are not disciplined by spanking or other forms of physical punishment. Rather, children are allowed to interact with their environment while caregivers provide subtle directions to prevent harm or injury. In other cultures, elders are considered the holders of the cultures wisdom & therefore are highly respected. Responsibility for care of older relatives is determined by cultural practices. In many cultures, older relative who cannot live independently live with a married son or daughter & family. (Berman et al., pp. 318-319)

Belief System Components: Cultural Values22A. Cultural Values-Social Organization-Family PatternsCultural family values may dictate the extent of familys involvement in the hospitalized clients care. In some cultures, only the nuclear & the extended family will want to visit for long periods & participate in care. In other cultures, the entire community may want to visit & participate in the clients care.Cultures that value the needs of extended family as much as that of the individual may believe that personal & family information should stay within the family.Some cultural groups are very reluctant to disclose family information with outsiders, including health professionals.This attitude can present difficulties for health care professionals who require knowledge of family interaction patterns to help clients with emotional problems. (Berman et al., pp. 318-319)Belief System Components: Cultural Values23A. Cultural Values: Religious BeliefsReligious beliefs are often entwined with cultural beliefs. Some cultures expect all members to adhere to a particular religion. In these societies, it is difficult to separate religious from cultural beliefs.Religious & spiritual beliefs are major influences in a clients worldview about health & illness, pain & suffering, & life & death Many cultures do not separate religion and spirituality, whereas others have a totally distinct concept of spirituality.To some Americans, spirituality means an inner, personal relationship with God.(Potter & Perry, 2009, p. 117)Behaviors & PracticesBelief System Components24Belief System Components: Behaviors & PracticeB. Behaviors and PracticesThe behaviors and practices a person has are guided by ones beliefs and passed on to encourage similar behavior as well as dictate acceptable behavior.Cultural behavior is socially acquired, not genetically inherited.A child whose parent plays baseball will likely play baseball as well. A child whos parents smoke will likely smoke themselves.Behaviors and practices are passed on to future generations.(Kelly, p. 125)

25Belief System Components: Behaviors & Practice26B. Behaviors & Practice-Religious PracticesIn the United States, there are wide variations in religious practices. People from varying cultures intermarry so religious practices vary.Religious practice associated with specific cultures affect diets.Some Roman Catholics avoid meat on certain days, such as Ash Wednesday & Good FridaySome Protestant faiths prohibit meat, tea, coffee, or alcohol. Both Orthodox Judaism & Islam prohibit the ingestion of pork or pork products. Orthodox Jews observe kosher customs, eating certain foods only if they have been inspected by the rabbi & prepared according to dietary laws.For example, the eating of milk products & meat products is prohibited. Some Buddhists, Hindus, & Shikhs are vegetarians. (Berman et al., p. 322)Belief System Components: Behaviors & Practice27B. Behaviors & Practice-Health Beliefs & PracticesThree views of health beliefs include Magico-Religious health belief viewScientific or biomedical health belief viewHolistic health belief view(Berman et al., p. 318)

Belief System Components: Behaviors & Practice28B. Behaviors & Practice-Health Beliefs & PracticesIn the Magico-religious health belief view, health & illness are controlled by supernatural forces.The client may believe that illness is the result of being bad or opposing Gods will.Getting well is also viewed as dependent on Gods will. The client may use statements such as, If it is Gods will, I will recover or What did I do wrong to be punished with cancer? Some cultures believe that magic can cause illness or that a sorcerer or witch may put a spell or hex on the client. Some people view illness as possession by an evil spirit. Although these beliefs are not supported by research, clients who believe that such things can cause illness may in fact become ill as a result. Such illnesses may require magical treatments in addition to scientific treatment. (Berman et al., pp. 317-318)

Belief System Components: Behaviors & Practice29B. Behaviors & Practice-Health Beliefs & PracticesScientific or biomedical health belief is based on the belief that life & life processes are controlled by physical & biochemical processes that can be manipulated by humans.The client with this view will believe that illness is caused by germs, viruses, bacteria, or a breakdown of the human body. The client will expect a pill, or treatment, or surgery. (Berman et al., p. 318)Belief System Components: Behaviors & Practice30B. Behaviors & Practice-Health Beliefs & PracticesHolistic health belief holds that forces of nature must be maintained in balance or harmony. Human life is one aspect that must be in harmony with the rest of nature & when the natural balance or harmony is disturbed, illness results.The North & South America Native Americans use the medicine wheel as an ancient symbol to express many concepts & for health & wellness, it teaches four aspects of the individuals nature: physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual. The four dimensions must be in balance to be healthy. The medicine wheel can also be used to express the individuals relationship with the environment as dimension of wellness.Concept of yin & yang in Chinese culture & the hot-cold theory of illness in many Spanish cultures are examples of the holistic health belief view.In the hot-cold theory, people believe that certain conditions are cold, such as a new mother who delivered a baby. To treat the new mother, warm or hot foods & a blanket are provided. Many cultures believe that the best way to treat a fever is increase an elimination of toxins through sweat baths.(Berman et al., p. 318)Belief System Components: Behaviors & Practice31B. Behaviors & Practice-Health Beliefs & PracticesSocioeconomic forces, such as politics, economics, geography, religion, & the predominate health care system, influence the clients health status & health care behavior.For example, people with limited access to scientific health care may turn to folk medicine or folk healing.Folk medicine is defined as those beliefs & practices relating to illness prevention & healing that drive from cultural traditions rather than from modern medicines scientific base.Many persons have special teas or cures (such as chicken soup) used by older family members to prevent or treat colds, fever, indigestion, and other common health problems. (Berman et al., p. 318)Belief System Components: Behaviors & Practice32B. Behaviors & Practice-Health Beliefs & PracticesWhy do individuals use non-traditional healing methods? Folk medicine is thought to be more humanistic than biomedical health care.The consultation & treatment takes place in the home of the healer. The healer often prepares the treatments, for example, herbs to be ingested, poultices to be applied, or charms or amulets to be worn.A frequent component of treatment is some ritual practice on the part of the healer or the client to cause healing to occur. Because folk healing is more culturally based, it is often more comfortable & less frightening to the client. Over 62% of adults in the United States use complementary and alternative medicine & have included prayer in healing practices according to a study done in 2002. (Berman et al., p. 318)Belief System Components: Behaviors & Practice33B. Behaviors & Practice-Nutritional PatternsMost cultures have staple foods that are plentiful or readily accessible in the environment.For example, the staple food of Asians is rice, of Italians, pasta, & of Eastern Europeans, wheat. Even the people of the United States & Canada for several generations often continue to eat the foods of their cultural homeland.The way food is prepared & served is also related to culture. For example, in the United States a traditional food served for the Thanksgiving holiday is stuffed turkey, however, in different regions of the country, the contents of the stuffing may vary.Religious beliefs also affect dietary practices. (Berman et al., p. 322)Communication PatternsBelief System Components34Belief System Components: Communication Patterns35C. Communication Patterns-LanguageOne of the most apparent communication variation is language. Language variations might involve no understanding of each others language to situation where one can understand the others language, but has limited skills in speaking the language. Although, both parties may speak English, there may be different meanings for words in the English language. For example, in the United Kingdom, a person may say he is going to take the lift and in America one would understand that he is planning to take the elevator.Sometime a person can read written English better & will benefit with the use of written explanations accompanied by pictures rather than verbal explanations. (Kelly, p. 128)Belief System Components: Communication PatternsC. Communication Patterns-Cultural Society ValuesCommunication patterns reflect core cultural values of a society. Some cultures value individualism while other value group harmony.Example: American culture supports individualism; people value assertive communication because it manifests the ideal of individual autonomy & self-determination.Collectivistic cultures value the context of relationships among participants, such as group harmony so they interact based on their expected positions & relationships within the social hierarchy. Individuals are more likely to remain respectful & show deference to older adults or family leaders, even though they disagree on an issue. (Potter & Perry, p. 117)

36Belief System Components: Communication Patterns37C. Communication Patterns-Cultural Society ValuesDifferences in status & position, age, gender, & outsider versus insider determine the content & process of communication. Among Asian cultures, face-saving communication promotes harmony by indirect communication & avoidance of conflict. In this culture, messages spoken often have little to do with their meanings. Saying no to a superior or older adult is not permissible, hence an affirmative response will only mean I heard you rather than full agreement. This is likely to happen in the healthcare setting because the healthcare provider is perceived as a person of authority to some Asian, African, or Hispanic clients. Observing a clients behavior & clarifying messages heard from a trusted insider will prevent misinterpretation. (Potter & Perry, pp. 117-118)Belief System Components: Communication Patterns38C. Communication Patterns-NonverbalCulture shapes nonverbal communication as expressed through body language. Culture influences the distance between participants in an interaction, the degree of eye contact, the extent of touching, and how much private information the person will share.Individuals use less distance when speaking to trusted insiders & persons of the same age, gender, & position in the social hierarchy.Many ethnic groups tend to speak their own dialect with insiders with ease & privacy and as a marker of insider status. (Potter & Perry, pp. 117-118)Belief System Components: Communication Patterns39C. Communication Patterns-Culturally Sensitive Ask older adults how they like to be addressed (if in doubt, address them formally, such as Mr. Lin)Determine the clients preference for touch. (In US Americans greet each other with a firm handshake. However Native Americans see this as a sign of aggression; Middle-Eastern culture sometimes forbids touch outside of marriage for older adults.Silence is generally valued by Eastern cultures, but is uncomfortable for Western cultures. (Potter & Perry, p. 118)

Belief System Components: Communication Patterns40C. Communication Patterns-Use of SilenceThe use of silence may indicate a lack of understanding, stubbornness, apprehension, or discomfort. Among American Indian, Chinese, & Japanese cultures silence may be used to allow the receiver to consider what the speaker has said before continuing. Other cultures, such as Russian, French, & Spanish may become silent to indicate agreement between parties. In Asian cultures, silence may indicate a sign of respect, especially to elders.Mexicans may use silence when they disagree with a person of authority. Other cultures are uncomfortable with silence & will attempt to fill the gaps in conversation. (Kelly, p. 128)Belief System Components: Communication Patterns41C. Communication Patterns-Eye ContactEye contact has significant cultural interpretations & varies among cultures. Many people in the United States regard maintaining eye contact as an indication of openness, interest in others, attentiveness, & honesty. Lack of eye contact may be interpreted as shyness, humility, guilt, embarrassment, rudeness, thoughtlessness, or dishonesty. Other cultures do not maintain eye contact for various reasons. (Potter & Perry, p. 118)Belief System Components: Communication Patterns42C. Communication Patterns-SpaceCultural interpretation of space is important as cultures have different comfort areas of personal space.In Western cultures, people in a casual or public setting are most comfortable when they can maintain 3-6 feet between them during a conversation. (Giger & Davidhizar, as cited in Kelly, p. 129)Closer contact is reserved for more intimate relationships.Some cultures are accustomed to more close contact & may inadvertently invade the space of a person from a Western culture.Another aspect of personal space may be a desire to use a certain space. For example, a resident in a nursing home may wish to always sit in a particular chair in a specific part of a room or at a specific table in the dining room. If someone changes any of these arrangements, the resident may become upset. (Kelly, p. 129)Belief System Components: Communication Patterns43C. Communication Patterns-Eye ContactEuropean American cultures view direct eye contact as a sign of honesty & truthfulness whereas eye contact with older Native Americans is not allowed. Some Asian cultures or American Indians relate eye contact to impoliteness or an invasion of privacy.Certain East Indian cultures avoid eye contact with people of lower or higher socioeconomic classes.Among some Appalachian people, maintaining eye contact may indicate hostility or aggressiveness (Kelly, p. 128)Older Asian adults sometimes avoid eye contact with authority figures because this is considered disrespectful & direct eye contact between genders in Middle Eastern cultures is sometimes forbidden except between spouses. (Potter & Perry, p. 118)Perceiving, Judging, & Organizing Life Belief System Component44Components of a Belief System45D. Methods of Perceiving, Judging, Organizing LifeDay-to-day choices are made based on values and beliefs. A person may choose to shop at the local grocery store rather than a large chain grocer because they believe that it is important to support the local business person.A person may organize their educational career by attending college right after high school and then immediately go to graduate school while someone else might choose to travel for a year or two before continuing on with their education. (New World Encyclopedia)

Types of a Belief SystemBelief System Types46Types of a Belief System47Belief System Types:EthnicityReligionPoliticsEthicsHealthHealthcareWork

Ethnicity48EthnicityEthnicity refers to a group of people who share a common social & cultural heritage based on shared traditions, national origin, & physical & biological characteristics. They often share social practices, such as language, religion, dress, music, & food. Factors related to culture, race, & ethnicity often overlap, & a person may have a variety of practices related to several of these factors. (Kelly, p. 126)Cultural background is a fundamental component of ones ethnic background or ethnicity with the social system that claims to possess variable traits such as a common religion or language.There are 106 groups in the United States that meet many characteristics of an ethnic group. (Berman et al., p. 315) Religion49ReligionReligion is a system of beliefs, practices, and ethical values about divine or superhuman power or powers worshipped as the creator(s) and ruler(s) of the universe.The practice of religion is revealed in numerous cults, sects, denominations, and churches. Ethnicity and religion are clearly related & ones religion quite often is determined by ones ethnic group. (Berman et al., pp. 315-316)Politics50Politics refers to ones view of the role of government in society in the economic and social/moral affairs.Politics are a set of beliefs or ideas that one can apply to policies & events; ones political moral code & world view. (Berman et al., pp. 315-316)

Ethics51Ethics refers to well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues.Ethical standards include standards relating to rights, such as the right to life, the right to freedom from injury, and the right to privacy. Ethical beliefs refers to ones feelings about what is right or wrong, includes ones religious beliefs, and involves obeying laws & following accepted societal standards of behavior.Ethics is ones moral beliefs & conduct. (Velazquez et al.)Work52Work ethics or belief about work is another part of ones belief system & it relates to work ethics.Work ethics include not only how one feels about their job, career or vocation, but also how one does his/her job or responsibilities. This involves attitude, behavior, respect, communication, and interaction; how one gets along with others. Work ethics demonstrate many things about whom and how a person is. Work ethics involve such characteristics as honesty and accountability. Essentially, work ethics break down to what one does or would do in a particular situation.Work ethics, such as honesty (not lying, cheating, and stealing), doing a job well, valuing what one does, having a sense of purpose and feeling/being a part of a greater vision or plan is vital. (All About Philosophy Organization)Big Five in the Development of aBelief SystemDevelopment of a Belief System53Big 5 in Development of Belief System54Why you believe what you do can be very helpful and enlightening especially when it come to caring for others in the healthcare arena.The 5 main reasons why you believe what you do are:EvidenceTraditionAuthorityAssociationRevelation(Inspired Personal Development)

Evidence55Evidence shows that one thing causes another. Evidence taps into our analytical and critical thinking abilities resulting in the development of a belief system that is very logical and rationale.An evidence-based belief system develops as a person matures and becomes more educated.For example, a person chewing on ice cubes who fractures a tooth now needs a crown. Realizing that the crown is costly, time consuming, and painful, the person no longer chews ice cubes.(Inspired Personal Development)Tradition56Traditions within families and society play a key role in persons belief system. Traditions (cultural behaviors & practices) become part of a persons life from the time that they are born. The act of circumcising a baby boy or baptizing a child might be the very first traditions that a person encounters. Because traditions come to us as children, they become part of our lives without even questioning them. (Inspired Personal Development)

Authority57It is easy to see why authority is one of the 5 main reasons why a person believes. Parents, as an authority figure, play a major role in a persons belief system. Teachers, religious leaders, political leaders, coaches, etc. are all authority figures as well. Who doesnt believe the coach that tells the team that they can be the best in the league? Who doesnt believe the instructor that says to a student, Youre doing fine in class but I know that you can do better because you have what it takes. (Inspired Personal Development)

Association58Guilt by association. Thats how the saying goes but when referring to a persons belief system it is beliefs by association or perhaps what you see is what you get.A person will hang out with someone who tends to believe what they believe. If a person associates with someone who values their education and is hard working, chances are she/he will be hard working as well. In the same respect, if a person hangs out with someone who is negative and depressed, that person will have a tendency to take on the negative and depressive emotions. (Inspired Personal Development)Revelation59Revelation as it pertains to a belief system can be described as a:Gut feeling Hunch or an inkling of an ideaFeeling or sense about somethingYour intuition or premonition about somethingAn insight into your sixth senseWhat is your gut telling you? How is your belief system affirmed or challenged by what your gut is telling you? Is your intuition telling you that it is not safe to walk along the river alone after dark? A revelation can come to a person at any time: before falling asleep, while exercising, or while grocery shopping. But remember to ask the question, Is this revelation important to my belief system? (Inspired Personal Development)Self-Assessment60Now that you have studied what a belief system is, components of a belief system, reasons why you believe what you believe, and the types of a belief system, you can complete a diversity self-assessment.The following two slides speak to clarification of values and the importance of ones awareness of ones personal beliefs and behaviors. Values Clarification61Values clarification is the process of self-evaluation that helps a person gain insight into individually held values. To clarify values, the healthcare worker must choose the belief or behavior, value the choice, and make the value part of his/her behavior. The healthcare worker must be aware of cultural differences & avoid: Transferring her/his own expectations to the patientMaking generalizations based on her or his own viewsAssuming a patient can understand what is being said just because he/she speaks EnglishTreating each patient the same. The Healthcare worker must have respect for a patients heritage to the individuals needs. (Krockrow & Christensen, p. 28)Self-Assessment62It is important for the healthcare worker to recognize personal cultural beliefs when caring for others. One way to identify these beliefs and practices is to do a self-assessment. Having an understanding of ones personal beliefs will help one to be more aware and understanding of others. Most people look at the work from their own cultural viewpoint. They often believe that the beliefs and practices of their particular culture as best. This is call ethnocentrism. Healthcare workers must learn to value the beliefs of others and realize that practices of other cultures can be valuable in healthcare. (Kelly, pp. 126-127)ReferencesAll about Philosophy Organization. (2002-2011). What are work ethics? Retrieved from http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/what-are-work-ethics-faq.htm Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., & Erb, G. (2008).Culture and heritage. In A. Berman, S.J. Snyder, B. Kozier, & G. Erb (Eds.). Kozier & Erbs Fundamentals of nursing: Concepts, process, and practice (8th ed.) (pp. 311-329). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice HallInspired Personal Development. (2008-2011). The big 5 that develop you belief system. Retrieved from http://www.inspired-personal-development.com/belief-system.htmlKelly, R.T. (2006). Cultural and ethnic considerations. In B.L. Christensen & E. O. Kockrow (Eds.). Foundations and adult health nursing (5th ed.) (pp. 124-148). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, Mosby63References64Koala Consulting & Training. (2007). Norms and values. Retrieved from http://www.koalacat.com/archive/005NormsAndValues.pdfKockrow, E.O. & Christensen, B.L. (2006). Legal and ethical aspects of nursing. In B.L. Christensen & E. O. Kockrow (Eds.). Foundations and adult health nursing (5th ed.) (pp. 124-148). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, MosbyNew World Encyclopedia. (2007). Culture. Retrieved from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/CultureVelasquez, M., Andre, C., Shanks, T., Meyer, S.J., & Meyer, M.J.(1987, Fall). What is ethics? Issues in Ethics 1, (1). Retrieved from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/whatisethics.html